Hamilton Accies Preview
Time flies when you’re having fun and although to some it may seem like the previous season has just ended, a full 10 weeks have passed since our last match when we faced Peterhead at Hampden on 4th May.
As the old saying goes, a lot can happen in a short space of time and that has definitely been the case at our Lesser Hampden headquarters. With no fewer than 18 players from last season’s squad departing, Mark Roberts’ has been left with a task that has been all too familiar to managers who have gone before him, in that of rebuilding an entire squad. Having carried a squad that he openly stated was too large last season, this has been the perfect opportunity for the gaffer to trim those numbers and his hard work to date has seen seven new signings and a season long loan deal secured.
Ahead of Saturday’s Betfred Cup encounter with Premiership side Hamilton Accies, the club media team caught up with the gaffer to get his thoughts on how pre season has been going and to preview the cup clash.
When asked about his busy summer period Roberts’ said: “As expected it’s been extremely busy and that work began long before the last ball was kicked last season. With 18/19 players having left it’s been a massive task rebuilding the squad but it’s a job that was needed in my opinion. I am very happy with the players we have brought in, it’s added a real freshness to the squad and that is very evident.”
When pressed on whether or not supporters can expect more additions to the squad Roberts’ said: “We’re still working hard to add to the squad and I would like to add a minimum of another two, possibly three faces if we can get the quality we are looking for. I know the positions I would like to strengthen in so the work to do this will continue as we get the competitive action underway.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s match against Accies the gaffer said: “It’s a game that the boys are all very much looking forward to. The four Betfred Cup ties are big tests for the squad this early in the season and it’s important we make the most of these matches.
“We know that we’re not expected to get anything from this game on Saturday but that should not be something that has a bearing on how we approach the match. There is an onus on the players to go out and show what they’re capable of and compete to the best of their abilities.
“With the league campaign starting on 3rd August, these four upcoming cup matches are the opportunity for every player to stake their claim for a place in the starting XI when we face Stirling Albion at Forthbank.”
Stats Life
Head to head: Played 162; Queen’s Park 61; Draw 31; Hamilton Academical 70.
Goals scored – Queen’s Park 263; Hamilton Academical 277.
Last meeting of the teams: 23/07/2011 – Queen’s Park 0-2 Hamilton Academical, Challenge Cup Round One.
Admission: Adults £12 & Concessions £6 *
* Concessions cover 65+/U16s/Students
Match officials: Referee – Nick Walsh. Assistants – Calum Spence and Kevin McElhinney.
Twitter: You can keep up to date with all the action as it happens at @QueensParkFC
Facebook: Get the team news pre-match as well as goal, half time and full-time score updates via our Facebook page.
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Our next match: v Patrick Thistle, Tuesday 16th July at Penny Cars Stadium, Airdrie. Kick off 7.45pm.
Other Betfred Cup Group H match(s): Patrick Thistle v Airdrieonians.