GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a technology that has been embraced by many top-flight clubs to track the movement and work-rate of their players.
When it comes to the stats produced by this system at the end of a game, Hamilton manager Martin Canning says that one man is always at the top of the list when it comes to the distance run by his players – Dougie Imrie.
In footballing terms though, if we look at a different GPS stat – Imrie’s ‘goals per season’ – then the results are altogether more disappointing.
In recent weeks though, a prolific scorer has emerged on Hamilton’s right flank, and Canning believes it may be down to Imrie adding composure to his undoubted industry.
He said: “Dougie’s been great.
“Listen, he’s been doing nothing different other than scoring goals, which gets you headlines.
“He puts in the same work-rate every week, whether he scores or not.
“But when he gets the goals he gets the plaudits — and guys like him deserve it because they work their socks off every game. It sometimes goes unnoticed.
“Long may Dougie’s scoring run continue.
“He’s added a little bit of composure. I think he’s making good decisions on the ball.
“Maybe at times in the past he was a bit rushed with what he did. But now I think he’s calmer and more composed with his game and you can see the impact that’s having.
“He’s got confidence and belief, he’s slowing things right down and it’s working out very well for him.
“It’s making him look a better player, especially when you ally all of that to the commitment he gives the team. The job he does for the team is exceptional.”
The highest goal tally that Imrie has ever reached in a season is just five, but with four to his name already this term, he is surely on course to break that record.
“Dougie’s almost there already,” Canning said.
“I think he’ll be taking a bit of stick if he doesn’t make it now!
“But it’s all positives for him just now and if he can go on and get a new record then it will be terrific for all concerned.”
Canning revealed that the club won’t be appealing the red card shown to defender Lucas Tagliapietra in Saturday’s draw at Partick Thistle, even though he doesn’t necessarily agree with the decision.
“I said at the time I thought it was harsh and when I watch it back I haven’t changed my thinking,” he said.
“I thought about appealing and then I thought I wouldn’t be successful because it wasn’t a clear and obvious mistake. When you’ve got Scott Struthers telling you the rules of the game then you have to listen.
“But I do still think it was harsh and a lot of people said the same thing, including the delegate.
“It happens in football and hopefully it evens itself out over the course of the season.”
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