Hamilton midfielder Grant Gillespie has revealed that a spot of go-karting has got the Lanarkshire men back on track for the visit of Aberdeen this afternoon.
After a fine start to the season, the wheels have rather come off for Martin Canning’s men as defeat at Hearts before the international break marked the fifth match in a row without victory.
Although Hamilton have a tight-knit squad, Gillespie believes the team-bonding session was the perfect way to jump-start their season.
“Andy Ryan was the Lewis Hamilton amongst us. He came out on top,” he said.
“I finished sixth. I was sitting in fourth and the gaffer was just in front of me. However, he crashed and then I crashed into him which probably wasn't the smartest move!
“It is important to do these things a few times during the season to try get the team together. It does lift the spirits because the recent run we have been on hasn't been the best. It came at a good time as everyone has come back after the break raring to go again.
“It was good to let our hair down a bit and the training in the few days afterwards was really good.”
For manager Martin Canning, the very thought of a prolonged run of matches without a win must break him out in a cold sweat, bringing back memories of the 13-match winless run that kicked off his managerial reign at New Douglas Park.
Gillespie though has no fear that a repeat of such a run is on the cards, and points to the fact that Aberdeen have also had a poor run of form to illustrate how easily it can happen to any team in the division.
He said: “Personally I haven't thought about the run last season. The performances this time haven't been that bad.
“However, we have been guilty of some naive defending throughout the full team which has cost us. It is five games since we last won so it is imperative we get back on track as quick as we can.
“You could say the break came at a bad time for them but you could say that for every team. I would go as far as saying Aberdeen will finish second this season.
“They have a strong squad full of quality players and a lot more experience than Hearts to finish above them.
“I would have liked to see them continue their run and push Celtic. That would have been good for Scottish football.”
Hamilton ran Aberdeen close before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a careless penalty concession from Ziggy Gordon the last time the sides met at Pittodrie in September.
The fluctuating form of both sides since, as well as each team enjoying a 3-0 victory apiece in the matches played between them at New Douglas Park last season, makes today’s fixture difficult to predict.
Gillespie says though that he and his teammates will go into the match full of confidence, despite their poor form.
“It was disappointing we didn't take something from the game at Pittodrie this season when I thought we played well,” he said.
“It should make for another good game and I am looking forward to it.”
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