"Achievement through Unity"
DOCTOR TALKS
INJURIES: THINGS
ARE LOOKING UP
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 29/7/15
PREMIER NEWS
Hamilton boss Gary Doctor says that his side's injury woes that have plagued the first half of the season are starting look up.
Accies lost a number of players early on, and while a few made their way back from injury, long term and fresh injuries continued to cause problems.
But as the second half of the season gets underway, the manager says they're in a far more comfortable position.
"Looks like we're starting to get a few back," he began.
New signing Karen Baillie who had been struggling through a hamstring injury featured in Sunday's clash with Stirling Uni, and Kathleen Toolan who was forced off against Glasgow City is back in the mix, easing the pressure on Accies a little giving Doctor a few more options.
"Kathleen Toolan's back, Karen got some minutes today for the
first time in a few months, which is a bonus for us."
Doctor lost another new signing in Megan McFadden early on in the campaign as she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the first league game of the season against Rangers.
The centre back has been ruled out since, but after finding out that she did not need surgery the nineteen-year-old pushed on, and Doctor is confident that we could see her return before the close of the season.
"Megan McFadden is making progress so maybe by the end of the month, maybe by August we could see her back, which will be a fantastic bonus for us," he said.
"A lot of the other niggles we had going into the end of June seemed to have cleared up as well so we're in a much better position right now," he added.
DOCTOR: BREAK COMES AT A GOOD TIME FOR US
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 25/7/15
Hamilton Accies return to league action on Sunday after the mid-season break, and manager Gary Doctor is raring to right the wrongs from the first half of the season.
Doctor, whose side picked up just seven points in the first term of the season and sit in the relegation zone, believes that the July break can benefit his side who have been contending with numerous injuries.
"The break came at a good time as I think we had been running on empty these past few weeks. Injuries and niggles on top of the long term absences have been a real problem as well as continually missing players through holidays."
Accies' season began on the back of huge changes in the squad, with many heading in and out, and the head coach says it can be difficult to remember it is a rebuilding year as Hamilton struggled through the first half of the season.
"It's been a massive upheaval this year in terms of the turnover of players and we tend to forget that it will take time for the young players to adapt to the step up," he said.
But while Doctor says there has been times when his team have came together, he is frustrated by the constant obstacles.
"We have seen signs of progress over the season but just as we get somewhere and begin to gel we hit a wall, at the moment it's injuries and holidays.
"Everyone has to do more from coaches to players to improve and we hope to help out and push us all on."
NEW COACH WATSON EXCITED BY YOUNG ACCIES
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 15/5/15
New Accies Women coach Bobby Watson said he "jumped at the chance" to join the Premier League outfit.
Watson joined Gary Doctor's side from Glasgow Girls and is ready to help see the "young but talented" squad push on.
He said, "I'd been at Glasgow Girls in the first division but just felt it was time for me to move on to something different and a position became available.
"I've known Mark Kirky, the assistant manager for quite a couple of years through football, and Gary Doctor through SFA courses and things so obviously jumped at the chance to come up a level into the Premier League."
Hamilton haven't had the easiest start to the season with a tough fixture card and injuries, but the coach believes they can turn it around.
"Gary had shown some footage of games before, and I was at the game against Stirling away.
"I thought the first half wasn't the greatest, but I thought they played well in the second half, so I know through seeing that and at training there is good players at this club and we can kick on and improve."
After a week's training with the club Watson watched the side slip to a tight 2-0 defeat to Spartans at home, but has enjoyed the start and thinks there is better to come.
"There's been a really good buzz at training, I've been winding the girls up since I got in, which I'm sure they're loving.
"Obviously it's been a tough start to the season, and I've just came in in the last ten days, but I did know they haven't had the greatest of starts with the injury list and things, but we equipped ourselves well against a really good opponent."
Accies enter the Scottish Cup second round with a home tie against SWPL necomers Stirling University.
Having lost 3-0 to them already this season at the Uni club, Hamilton will welcome them on the 21st of June and will be out to redeem themselves, and try better their Cup run of last year that took them to the quarter-finals.
The game will be played at the Jock Stein Centre as New Douglas Park has its pitch relayed.
ACCIES ENTER SCOTTISH CUP WITH STIRLING DRAW
19/5/15
MEGAN QUINN READY TO PUT INJURY BEHIND HER
BY COLETTE CARR ON 27/4/15
New Accies left back Megan Quinn is looking to put her preseason injury nightmare behind her and kick on with her new club.
Quinn found herself on crutches for five weeks after fracturing her ankle not long after joining the club, but is now determined to break her way into the team as she returns to training.
She said; "I'm just looking forward to the rest of the season and getting back fighting fit to try and make my way back into the squad, because it's becoming more of an established team now, so I really need to fight to get a game and get my fitness levels back to what they were."
"What happened was that I had sprinted in training and went right over on it, so was straight up to hospital to get it xrayed and found out I'd fractured it, so that was me in a moon boot for four weeks and crutches for five, before eventually back walking again and this week back training."
Quinn who met manager Gary Doctor in their Celtic days said the move to Hamilton was always the right one after being released by the Glasgow club, especially with what the club now has to offer.
"Knowing that Hamilton were interested to start with was great, but finding out about the facilities and stuff definitely influenced my decision.
Having it at such a well known place with a wide pitch that opens up loads
of opportunities with great strength and conditioning and physio facilities is brilliant."
"It's been great here, it's obviously a young squad, but I think we just need to get a couple of games under our belt, and I think we're a bit underrated to be honest, so we just need to gel a bit as a team.
"I've loved it ever since I joined, and all the girls have been really welcoming."
FLEMING: WE KNOW BENCHMARK NOW
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 6/4/15
Accies stopper Elaine Fleming says that even though the team are frustrated by the stop start opening to the season, they now know the benchmark they are up against.
Hamilton aren't having the easiest start to the campaign, with the new-look team traveling to top-placed Hibs twice and hosting Rangers, and having a series of injuries to contend with, but the keeper believes the test can only help her side.
"It's certainly been a big learning curve playing two of the best teams in the league so early in season, but it's been a positive experience in parts even though the results have been disappointing.
"It does mean that we need to work hard to build as a team. When we play the other teams in our league we know we have to play to the best of our ability. We know the benchmark of ability and work rate in the league now so we have to aim to match that in the rest of our games."
Accies have also had to deal with a week between games, hindering their progress Fleming admits.
"It's been frustrating as we need to build and move on from every performance, but it's difficult when we aren't playing consistently every weekend and games don't stay fresh in our minds.
"Having such a young team it's good to have games one after another as we keep growing and learning as a team, and we are doing that well but the big steps we take as a team are hidden a bit as it's been so stop start."
The injuries may have caused manager Gary Doctor a few headaches lately, but Fleming isn't worried about it in the long run.
"It's been hard to see so many promising young players get injuries so early in the season and it makes training a bit harder when the numbers are lower.
"But seeing them all so keen to get fit again and fight to get in the team is great and that spirit will help us in the season.
"Not having a consistent starting 11 makes gauging our progress a wee bit more difficult but shows how adaptable our other players are as they can play in a variety of positions.
"We aren't the loudest team but actually it's a great atmosphere as everyone is pulling in the same direction and I'm sure that will get even stronger as the season goes on and we play more often as a team."
DOCTOR WANTS NDP TO BE "A REAL HOME VENUE"
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 16/2/15
Accies Premier manager Gary Doctor said he hopes that New Douglas Park will become "a real home venue" and praised his side for stepping up to the occasion whenever they take to the ground.
While he admits the move won't come without new challenges to his team, he thinks the new link will also have its benefits and advantages.
"Hopefully it will benefit us," Doctor started.
"In the game we played here last season and tonight we raised our level and hopefully that's part of it.
"It's a much harder experience in terms of the pitch size, it'll bring new challenges to us, but hopefully
that's something we can use to our advantage as the season goes on and it becomes a real home venue for us."
The manager continued to explain the difference the New Douglas Park move will make to the team and to the club's image overall.
"Our previous ground the John Cumming was great but it makes a heck of a difference coming and playing here and being a part of a proper stadium.
"I think the players really enjoyed it as well, so hopefully It is going to be something that will be a huge benefit to us this year!"
Speaking after holding Aberdeen to a nil-nil draw at New Douglas Park, Doctor explained that as the preseason goes on, his aims, expectations and demands will increase, but is positive about the direction his new team appear to be going in.
"At the moment our aims and our expectations that we laid out today were to just to start to get to know each other as players, and make relationships, that was today's goal.
We'll start to work on our fitness now and we'll add expectations each time we play, we had an onus on defending today, we done a lot of defensive work, so just to get a cleansheet out of that as well was
great, and we'll add more, expect more and demand more of the players as preseason goes on and as we go into the season.
"But there is still loads of work to do, it's only the beginning, loads going on behind the scenes as well to try get a few more players in to help us out, we only had a small set today, but hopefully it'll change soon enough."
MCFADDEN READY
TO RESTART
ACCIES CAREER
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 22/8/15
Defender Megan McFadden says she's ready to put her injury woes behind her as she fights her way back into the squad to help see the season out.
After a dream start for the club, scoring a volley against her old club in a preseason friendly and featuring in the League Cup clash with Hibs, it soon turned into a nightmare for the centreback, as she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the League opener against Rangers.
While McFadden has been sidelined since, she's worked her way back into the fringes of the team, and may be on the bench for Sunday's trip to Forfar.
"I'm really excited about getting back into the squad for the end of the season," she began.
"I was lucky that I didn't need surgery on my knee so for the past six months I've had to stick to quite a strict rehab programme and I've been working really hard to reach the point where I feel fit enough and strong enough to return."
The nineteen-year-old came into the club in February, and went straight into the squad for League Cup and SWPL duty, but she says making her mark before the end of the season will be like debuting all over again.
She said; "It was disappointing to be ruled out during the first League game especially since I had only been signed with Accies for about a month at the time, so I think that when I get the opportunity to get back on the pitch it's going to feel like a wee debut all over again."
GALLEN ON GOAL GRABBING ACCIES
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 4/9/15
Midfielder Laura Gallen did the double on Inverness City sending home two in great style to help send them onto a 4-0 victory.
Her first half strike from distance and close range finish in the second put Accies two nil up at New Douglas Park, and she was pleased to get back on the scoresheet after last scoring from distance in April.
She said; "I was really happy about my goals and to finally deliver a long range shot in a game after having some good ones in training.
"The second one I really enjoyed the build up play and thought it was a really well worked team goal and was glad to be the one to finish it, I think it's been a long time coming because we've been close in most games up to this point but have never been lucky enough to come away with a win."
And with a tricky trip to Stirling University looming, Gallen and her team mates are looking to pull one over on them after losing in three tight games over the season.
"I think it'll bring a more positive attitude in training and throughout the team," she added.
Accies' Megan Quinn said that despite being relegated she thinks it might have been the best thing to happen for them and admitted it was the best place for her to be.
The defender signed a new contract after only a year at the club and has progression in her sights.
"I want to progress while I'm here so I think staying is the best thing for me to do, and I want to help the team get back up to the Premier League," she said.
The 21-year-old had her first taste of Premier football this year, but she is ready for the new challenges that a year in the new SWPL 2 will bring.
"We're obviously dropping down a level but I think that could been the best thing to have happened to us, because we're still a young team and we need to build around the players and get a bit stronger.
"Don't get me wrong it'll still be a tough league, but I think we've all the capabilities to do well as long as we get a good preseason in us."
While dropping out the Premier League was a tough pill to swallow, Quinn still had nothing but praise for the New Douglas Park side.
"I loved my first year, it was great!
"All the girls, coaching, staff, facilities, I honestly can't fault it. So far in my career I'd say Accies has been the best for me, it's developed me and staying would be the best thing to do.
"Last year we just left it too late, if we'd came out winning games from the start of the split then maybe we could've pinched it and stayed up, but it was all just too little too late from us."
And apart from promotion next year, the leftback has a few personal aims too.
"Hopefully I can a get a couple of more goals, score a few more freekicks and get forward a bit more!"
MEGAN QUINN: STAYING HERE IS THE BEST THING FOR ME, I HONESTLY CAN'T FAULT IT
BY COLETTE CARR ON 18/11/15
CAPTAIN AND YOUTH LEAD THE WAY AT AWARDS NIGHT
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 23/11/15
"I've enjoyed the slightly different role I've played this year. It's been a season of two halves and looking back I'm proud of how we performed in the second half of the season.
"Our performances and results showed we have grown as a team and I think the awards point to a bright future for the team."
After her first season in SWPL football, Gardner lifted the Young Player award after impressing the coaches.
She said; "It was a big shock, knowing the coaches picked me feels amazing and it will give me more confidence for next season."
"I have really enjoyed my first season, after moving up I didn't expect to play much but I'm glad I did as I've learnt a lot."
But the 18-year-old is already looking ahead to next year.
"I'm really looking forward to next season, hopefully we can keep most of our players and challenge for the league next year and get promoted back to SWPL-1."
Another SWPL debutant and joint top scorer with Inglis, Gallen was recognised by her teammates and admitted she wasn't expecting it.
"It gives me a confidence boost to know they think I'm playing well and that they felt I deserved it, I really appreciate it!" she gushed.
Hamilton didn't have the easiest start to the season, but Gallen said she ws happy to see the form turn around eventually and is readying herself for next year's challenges.
"It obviously started a bit rocky, but as it went on it was really good to see the team improve and become closer.
"I'm a bit nervous but I think we have a real chance if we continue our hard work so I'm excited to see how next year plays out!"
Accies Women's captain Gillian Inglis and youth graduates Lori Gardner and Laura Gallen all took home awards after the club's end of season night,
where the team celebrated what manager Gary Doctor called "a season of two halves", as Player, Young Player, and Player's Player of the Year awards were presented.
The team took a break from closed season training as Inglis picked up Player of the Year.
"I feel I've been consistent all season but you never go to these nights expecting any awards. I'm glad that Lori and Laura were recognised for their hard work as I think they've both had a very good season," Inglis shared.
"It's always a compliment to be recognised by coaches."
After a long and mixed season, Accies' premier team and staff took a break from closed season training to reflect, celebrate and dish out some awards.
With three up for grabs, the coaches awarded captain Gillian Inglis with the Player of the Year and Lori Gardner with the Young Player, while Laura Gallen was voted Player's Player by her teammates.
Here, manager Gary Doctor gives his verdict on the winners and their performances throughout the season.
Player of the Year - Gillian Inglis:
"Gill has been a terrific captain for us, leading by example to the younger less experienced players on the pitch, off the pitch, at training in the gym the lot. Despite being moved all over the pitch she never complained, did her best and performed to a high level week in, week out. Gill really stepped up this year."
Young Player of the Year - Lori Gardner:
"Lori is probably the most improved player in terms of her knowledge of the game and ability. She has been a committed trainer and that has shown in her performances. Always looking to better herself and a real team player. Lori has shown herself to be the exact type of player we want at Accies. Hungry, motivated, with a desire to improve."
Player's Player of the Year - Laura Gallen:
"Right from the start of the season Laura has taken to the top division. Dynamic and athletic she has shown terrific enthusiasm to play. Laura has ended joint top scorer and been involved in more goals than anyone else. We look forward to seeing her continue to develop and add to her game in 2016. Again the profile of player we want, young, humble, eager to learn and above all talented."
MANAGER PRAISES AWARD WINNERS
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 24/11/15
BAILLIE READY FOR
NEW SWPL 2 CHALLENGE BY: COLETTE CARR ON 27/11/15
Fresh from scoring a double against Inverness City in the last game of the season, striker Karen Baillie signed on the dotted line to commit her future to the club for another year.
After just one season in the Premier League, Baillie is now preparing with the team for the new SWPL 2 - and she thinks the new league will be even more competitive.
Baillie joined from Hamilton Caley at the start of the year, and described the experience as a learning curve.
"It was difficult adapting, having moved from a lower division team to the Premier League," she said.
"It was also difficult due to so many injuries, not training during the week and then playing a game on the Sunday with a lack of players."
But she admitted that the second half of the season was more comfortable, and said she wished they'd found their footing earlier.
"The second half of the season we were playing teams round about us so the games were much more competitive and that's when we started to play well as a team, if only we had played like that at the start of the season."
And as for next year, the striker just wants to stay injury free in what she expects to be a much more competitive league.
"Next year will be much more competitive, and hopefully I can stay injury free. Every game will be tough but if we play the way we finished the season then we have a good chance."
TOOLAN SAYS SHE HAS MORE TO GIVE
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 7/12/15
Hamilton Accies’ Kathleen Toolan’s first taste of Premier League football may have been tainted by relegation, but the midfielder insisted she loved the experience and said it would be down to themselves if they don’t win promotion next year.
The 17-year-old was promoted by Gary Doctor at the start of last season from the club’s under-17’s, and despite a poor run of form from the team, Toolan couldn’t rate her experience highly enough.
She said: “I loved it, it was so good, I had such a good season, I really enjoyed it and the girls have been amazing. I fitted in really well - more than I thought!”
“I think I have improved a lot this season and I think the girls have had quite a lot to do with that. It’s a big step up from 17s and the team were really, really welcoming and helped out a lot in giving me direction and I really appreciate that.
“I’ve made a massive jump this year compared to all the years I've been at Accies,
I’ve been at Accies, this has been the most I’ve improved, but I think I’ve got a long way to go.”
The youngster settled into life in the SWPL with ease, but she found the gap between youth and premier football to be bigger than she expected.
“I think you need to be very mature to be in that league, you need a really good awareness of the game which I developed this year, the tempo is a lot faster that can make it difficult to keep up, but training has really helped me keep up with the pace of the league.”
And as for next season, the teenager has promotion firmly set in her sights.
“I’m really excited for next season, I think we’ve got a really good chance to compete, we never really got the chance to do that in the first half of the season, so I think next year is a great chance to show our ability.
“I think it would be a shame and down to ourselves next year if we don’t get promoted next year, I think we’ve got a really good chance if our attitude is right,” she added.
FORMER YOUTH PLAYER REJOINS HAMILTON ACCIES
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 14/1/16
Former Accies youth Hannah O'Keane said she thinks it's the right time for her to rejoin her old club.
After plying most of her trade at Accies' youth academy, O'Keane switched to Mill United after her time with the under-17's was up, but is now relishing being a part of Gary Doctor's squad.
"After we finished with Mill last season I was talking with a few of my friends who play here, and we were discussing it so I went along to training and signed after a couple of weeks. I know the coaches and the setup and I was here for most of my youth, so hopefully that'll help me."
She is amongst a number of new signings for Accies who are about to begin life in the new SWPL2, and is ready to be a part of the new challenges.
She said, "they've started already to build on the squad and they were doing well towards the end of last season, so just hopefully we can build upon that and keep going forward."
And O'Keane praised the club's infrastructure both on and off the pitch for attracting new players.
"I think it's the results at the end of last year and the media, they're always on Twitter and tweeting about coming along so I think the support that they've gained through that has helped bring new players along as well. It's a great stadium, I've trained here as well, it's really big and everyone enjoys playing on it."
Hamilton Accies looked back to look forward again as they added another familiar face to the squad for 2016, resigning midfielder Samantha MacPherson.
Gary Doctor brought MacPherson into the fold knowing first hand what she could bring to the team, just like MacPherson knew what Accies could offer her.
She told Accies, "because I spent most of my youth time at Accies, I know it's a really good set up and really well organised, and obviously there's some familiar faces I'm looking forward to working with again, but then there's also some new staff and player's I'm looking forward to get on board with."
Having been away from the club for so long though, the progression is clear for MacPherson to see, but no improvement is bigger than the club's move to NDP.
"It's great to play on that surface, it'll be a good experience, also things like more staff and coaches really attracted me as well."
The talented player moved to Mill United and then Queen's Park after leaving Hamilton's Reserve team. But she thinks now is the right time to try her hand for Accies' Premier outfit.
"I think I've got a bit more experience under my belt now after playing at different clubs, and in different positions at different levels, so that's given me great experience to bring to the club," she said.
And she wasn't holding back when sharing her hopes for 2016.
"I've heard from a lot of the girls is that we're trying to get promotion back up to the top tier which would be brilliant."
SAM MACPHERSON READY TO PROVE HER WORTH AT ACCIES' TOP LEVEL COLETTE CARR ON 15/1/16
New recruit Katherine Jaycock said she's looking forward to soaking up everything Accies has to offer and learning as much as she can this season.
The midfielder moved to the Lanarkshire club fresh from winning promotion to the SWPL 2 with Queen's Park, but said the move has been a long time coming.
"I've been interested in the club for a while and their reputation is really good, so this year it just felt like the right time to move and find myself a new challenge really."
Jaycock is player who is familiar with both success and relegation, but she admitted that she sees her time at Hamilton as a clean slate.
"I started off playing University football at Glasgow University and had a good bit of success there, and then went to Queen's Park and was there for four years.
"We won the First Division, went up to the Premier League, back down, then back up again so it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride but I think at this point for me it's just about getting new challenges at a new club, with new coaches seeing what I can do next."
It was during her four seasons at Queen's Park that she caught Doctor's attention though, particularly during their time in the top flight, and Jaycock's keen to repay the manager's interest.
"I wanted to have new coaches, impress them, and learn different things about my game that I wasn't aware of before and look at it with fresh eyes and see if I can improve myself in a different aspect as opposed to at Queen's Park.
"I had a great time at Queen's Park, and the club's great, but at this point I want to try something new."
Speaking at New Douglas Park, she admired the facilities and organisation of the club.
"The stadium's great! It's so nice here, it's a really good setup so I'm really excited to start and get stuck in."
JAYCOCK EXCITED FOR NEW CHALLENGE AT HAMILTON
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 18/1/16
Winger Mhairi Lyle said the attraction of Hamilton Accies has finally got to her, as she joined up with Gary Doctor's side ready and raring to go.
Lyle joins Accies from Queen's Park not long after winning promotion to the new SWPL 2 where she will play with Accies, but despite not stepping up a league, she still sees it as the right moment to move forward.
"I've always been a really big admirer of Accies," she began.
"They've always had a really good reputation, and I've heard really good things and the idea of coming was always really attractive so it just feels like the right time to come."
Like all of the other new signings to the club, she discussed it's great reputation even saying "it speaks for itself".
Lyle explained; "being here at the stadium for matches and training will be a really good experience because they're great facilities and of course the coaches have got really good reputations as well so it speaks for itself."
After starting her career at Paisley Saints and moving onto Glasgow Uni and Queen's Park, Lyle believes she's laid the best possible foundations for the switch to Hamilton Accies where she hopes to further develop her game.
"Having been involved in university football, where it's really fun, but still very competitive and also being at Queen's Park where it was very competitive and a very good standard, I hope that's the best possible preparation for coming here.
"Definitely the biggest aim for me is just to get better as a player more than anything else and I hope that this is definitely the best place to do that, so that's my biggest target, and hopefully I'll push on from here," she added.
MHAIRI LYLE: "I'VE ALWAYS ADMIRED ACCIES"
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 19/1/16
Last season's Player's Player of the Year Laura Gallen received a preseason boost last week, as Dougie Black from Primo Fitness committed to a season long sponsorship of the midfielder.
Dougie Black's personal training business in Paisley will back Gallen through the 2016 season in a move the trainer was keen to make.
He told Accies: "Primo Fitness is a small business in Paisley which tailors the goals of its clients to suit them.
"Whether it be to lose weight, build muscle, get a bit healthier or even drop a dress size, we cater for all. Primo Is unique in that it's not always gym based. The company motto is "Imagine, Believe, Achieve" and for that you don't need to spend loads of cash on a gym membership when you can get a personal training session in your own home. I have numerous clients who train - just not in a gym!"
And he is no stranger to the women's game.
"I've chosen to sponsor Laura because women's football is quite close to me. I was in charge of the first ladies team at Motherwell when they needed a team and spent two seasons there before moving to EK Thistle Ladies where I spent a further two seasons before leaving the women's game. Women's football is such a joy to watch and the talent
PRIMO FITNESS BACK GALLEN FOR 2016 BY: COLETTE CARR ON 21/1/16
that is on display is amazing."
He added; "I would like to wish Laura and Accies Ladies all the best for the upcoming season and any bookings that are made to Primo Fitness through any team members will receive a 10% discount on any block booking."
Midfielder Deborah McLeod said the responsibilty of helping Accies back up to the Scottish top flight was the main driving force behind her decision to stay on for a fourth term with Hamilton's premier side.
McLeod re-signed for the club during closed season in November, and spoke about how she's targetting promotion and improvement in 2016 after the disappointment of relegation last year.
"I'd like to be part of the team that brings them back up, because I was in the team that got relegated, and you've got that responsibility on you," she explained.
The 20-year-old was promoted to the senior team in 2013 after impressing at under-17's level, and has been part of the squad since.
She admitted that last season had it's problems, but is ready for the new challenges the new SWPL 2 will bring.
"It really was a season of two halves. It just took us a while, it was like this a few seasons ago, we always win games we don't necessarily need to but when it comes to important games we just don't turn up.
"It's just a different kind of league, different kind of players, and we'll have new players in too, so it'll be a new challenge."
But to get back up to the top, McLeod realises the work that needs to go in.
"I just want to be more committed than I was last season and train more and work harder."
MCLEOD FEELING THE RESPONSIBILTY BY: COLETTE CARR ON 21/1/16
Organisation was key for on-loan defender Amy Lindsay who stressed that the New Douglas Park club was the only place she would go to on a season-long break from Rangers.
Gary Doctor swooped in for the stopper after she decided a move away from Rangers in 2016 would be best for her, and she praised how well organised the club was and was impressed by the overall setup.
With preseason underway, Lindsay who suffered an ankle injury last season threw herself into life at Hamilton, preparing for the fast approaching new league.
"I got injured in July and I wanted to test myself in a different league, I've been at Rangers for seven years now so I felt I needed a new challenge, and the only place I would ever come for that was Accies.
"It was always the only place ever on my mind, and even in the past when I've thought about going out and getting gametime it's been here, so I'm grateful for the chance Accies and Rangers have gave me."
The centre-half couldn't praise her new club highly enough, even going as far to say she enjoyed travelling to NDP as the visitors.
"It's the full setup, it's always been known for having this great setup from the youth system through, and obviously the facilities and coaches here are a massive plus.
"You always know that when you're coming to Accies everything is organised when you come to play against them,so it's something to get involved with."
Her parent club began preseason preparations a week earlier than Hamilton, giving Lindsay a week to prepare for joining up with Accies, and an extra week to build up her fitness as she begins to put her injury behind her.
"I had a week of preseason at Rangers and a week here, but because of my injury I'm trying to get myself as fit as I can so any preseason is helping and I'm doing double."
Lindsay isn't the only player who'll have to adapt to new challenges this season though, as the whole team will have to get to grips with life in the new SWPL 2.
The defender isn't kidding herself about how difficult it'll be though, but despite knowing this, she's still setting a high a finish as possible in her sights.
"I think it's going to be really challenging," she admitted.
"All the teams are on the rise just now, all the facilities and experience is getting better throughout women's football, so I think you can see with all the teams in this league that it's going to be really, really challenging.
"All the teams are reaching the same level at the moment so hopefully it'll be a good season, and hopefully if not promotion we can finish as high as we can."
ORGANISATION KEY FOR LINDSAY
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 21/1/16
Accies' Premier Assistant Manager Bobby Watson spent part of the closed season on an SFA trip over in
France working closely with some of Europe's top women's sides.
Watson and other SFA coaches gained invaluable experience after being given access all areas entry to training at Lyon, PSG and Juvisy.
He said; "It was a fantastic experience.
"Going to see what makes three of Europe's top sides tick is one thing but the access we got was unbelievable. Watching top players like Caroline Seger and Lindsey Haron up close was a privilege."
While it was with the SFA, Watson is also looking to implement some ideas into Accies this season.
"There has been plenty to take from it for us and how we look at setting the club up.
"That's from embedding philosophies to opening discussions between the committee and coaches about how we move forwards from the youngest players to the first team. I've found the whole experience fascinating and inspiring."
And the experience was topped off by learning from some of Europe's best coaches.
"Personally to see the real top level coaches work at Lyon and PSG was the highlight and there's definetly a few things I already want to implement with the first team."
Amy Allan joined a long list of new faces at Accies this preseason, saying the structure the club offered her was too much to turn down.
The ex-Queen's Park stopper has enjoyed preseason so far and told the club that she sees this as the only place to improve and learn.
"For me it was to develop as a player," the defender explained.
"At Queen's I never seen myself develop any further, I was just kind of stuck. I know Kirky and Bobby, and I'll get to know Gary obviously. I've heard good things, so I said 'if it'll push me more, take me further then yeah I'll come'".
The experienced centre-half enjoyed promotion success with Queen's Park last season, but decided to spend the season in SWPL2 with Hamilton after weighing up her options.
She said; "It's amazing what they have to offer, we've got the pitch that the men play on, and they offer the gym so everything is in place for us.
"I'll give every dues to Queen's Park, I done well with them and obviously got promotion there but I feel as if there's a better structure and a better drive here to move on, get promotion again and go further."
And Allan is hopeful of two promotions in a row after realising the ambitions of her new club and discussions with her new coaches.
"The coaches have said they're hoping to get promotion or at least finish as high as possible, and that should be the aim of every club so you can't complain."
But for now, she is just concentrating on preseason and settling in.
"I'm definitely feeling it but it's been great, it's been fun and I'm getting to know the girls and I'm enjoying it loads, it should be a good season!"
WATSON: FRENCH FANCY FOOTBALL HAS INSPIRED ME
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 22/1/16
MCCAFFERTY SAYS ACCIES "CAN BE THE TEAM TO BEAT"
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 27/1/16
Amy McCafferty says she believes Accies are definitely "one of the teams to beat" this year as she begins preparing for her second year at New Douglas Park.
McCafferty re-signed with the club for 2016 after enjoying the challenge of Scotland's top flight last season joining Gary Doctor's squad from Mill United.
And the 20-year-old thinks last year's difficult spells have prepared them for the new SWPL2.
She said; "last season it was basically a new, young team playing against experienced teams, and this year it's obviously still going to be good teams but I think we're going to be one of the teams to beat."
The midfielder said the move to NDP was the best decision she ever made, despite the
hard work it entailed.
"Moving here from Mill United last season was the best decision I've ever made, training wise and everything it's just a step up from the second division that I played in before, and it's a challenge which obviously helps you improve," she began.
"Technically it was a massive jump. Obviously a lot of the players in the Premier Division are very switched on, technically they play very well and are strong, some of them are older so it was a massive difference from what I'd known."
After suffering injury early on in the season, she then missed games due to holidays before getting into the swing of it.
Hamilton had a tough first half of the season in 2015 against the country's top sides, but when McCafferty returned after the break, she saw massive improvements, that she believes will stand them in good stead this year.
"When I came back I noticed the difference in the team and the step up in the second half of the season. I thought we were playing so much better as a team, I think we'd just gotten used to each other and stuff.
"That'll be brilliant for going into next season - we've gotten more used to each other and working as team more."
And, like her teammates, she has promotion on her mind.
"Targets for next season would be to obviously not go on as many holidays, keep injury free, play more games, improve, help the team and I think if we work hard and play the way we played inthe last few games of the season we could definitely go up," she added.
AMY ALLAN TARGETS DOUBLE PROMOTION
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 25/1/16
DOCTOR PROUD AFTER SPARTANS SCOTTISH CUP FEAT
BY: COLETTE CARR ON 16/6/16
Gary Doctor hailed his sides’ “incredible spirit, determination, toughness and mentality”, after Hamilton Accies pulled off the shock of the second round, knocking SWPL1 side Spartans out of the Scottish Cup 4-3 on penalties.
The two were finally separated by penalties after the deadlock couldn’t be broken over 120 minutes, with keeper Elaine Fleming
denying three times, and Gillian Inglis, Susie Smith, Amy Anderson and Kathleen Toolan scoring from the spot to advance into the next round.denying three times, and Gillian Inglis, Susie Smith, Amy Anderson and Kathleen Toolan scoring from the spot to advance into the next round.
But Doctor explained that his side had to ensure they prepared correctly for the challenge, and is delighted to see his players reap the rewards.
“We spoke a lot in the week before the game about how we were going to have to be resolute defensively, and take the pressure at times and stand up to it, which we certainly did in the early part of the game where they started brighter, and then in the second half we struggled to get on the ball as much.
“So from the players’ point of view they should real toughness, that shone through and it was a real team effort.
“It’s only the second time I’ve been in a penalty shootout, the first I’ve won, and the first time I can remember since being with Hamilton beating Spartans, so it’s a real scalp for us, they’re not as strong as they once were, but for us missing a good three or four players who would have had a case for starting, that would have made us more offensive, but we can’t fault the players at all."
Hamilton already had one of the toughest ties of the round for SWPL sides, but found themselves with more problems to overcome as gameday arrived, including losing top goalscorer MT McGuinness to illness, second top-scorer Lori Gardner missing the first half due to work commitments, Megan Quinn playing with an injury and Amy Allan playing through illness, but Doctor explained the depth and quality of the squad he garnered over the closed season, ensured Accies were more than capable of competing and dealing with issues thrown their way.
He said: ”For the players to then go out and perform it was great.
“It was Sam MacPherson’s first start of the season, but she came in and played brilliantly for an hour and just ran out of gas, Lauren Kerr hadn’t played for a few weeks, so I’m really pleased for them when they really contributed and even more so later on.
“Then the subs who came on in Lori who gave us a little speed, Katherine Jaycock and Kathleen Toolan came on and made a massive contribution.
“There was injuries to contend with too, Megan Quinn, probably got a dead leg in the first two minutes, but hung in until the last minute of extra time, before we made a tactical sub bringing Susie Smith on who is a bit of a penalty specialist and she didn’t let us down either, so it was a real effort from all fifteen players who were with us.”
“ When we got the MT call in the morning saying she was unwell, we had to think of where we’d go and how it would affect the team on top of those already missing, but Sam has came in and been patient and brilliant, not as involved as she’d have liked, but came in and done the job for us, unlucky not to score, she forced huge errors from the defender and keeper, and on another day she could’ve scored, she had good positional sense, gave us a level we expect of her, very tactically aware, and that’s where the squad came through.
“Kathleen Toolan a few weeks ago maybe wasn’t even making the bench, didn’t let that affect her and came in helping us get over the line and scored what was the decisive sixth penalty, she put her hand up and smashed it in, so I’m thrilled for her in particular for that reason.”
Doctor's side had already faced an SWPL1 side this season in Rangers, but he insisted this was the hardest game so far this season.
“It was definitely our hardest game," he began.
“We played Rangers in our opening cup tie, who are probably stronger opposition, but we’re about ten games down the line now, and know we’re a better team, but having said that we’re a better squad as well in that we know what we’re about, the players have gotten to know each other better, and despite a few not being available, the team knew the game plan yesterday.
“It maybe suits us playing a team who plays more football, rather than some of the teams in our league who are more direct, so some of our physical players like Amy Anderson yesterday was outstanding at reading the play, intercepting passes, cutting off gaps, as opposed to the ball just flying over her head, and she alongside Laura Gallen had 120 minutes in the midfield, showing the ability we have in the squad, and the others who have came in, who have had to be patient, kept us at a great level, Amy Lindsay who hasn’t been in the team recently, played the best part of 100 minutes and picked up some knocks but kept going, Amy Allan was ill during the game, so it was incredible guts from the team, we didn’t create as much as we would’ve liked, but we took the pressure when we needed to, looked after the ball when we really needed to and defended resolutely.
“We had a bit of luck at times, later on they missed a couple of chances that they should’ve scored, we had one great chance in the second half but never really worked the keeper, but we can’t fault the players for their sheer determination to go and win.”
It'll be an exciting wait ahead of the draw for the next draw for the team, as Doctor says the win gives them confidence to face opposition from any league, but for now, it'll be back to league duty and focussing on the upcoming visit from Queen's Park.
**UPDATE: Accies have drawn Hearts away in the next round, with the tie to be played in August.
