Hamilton Accies boss: Fans wanted to kill me a few weeks ago, so we won't get carried away now we're off bottom of league

John Rankin insists he won't get carried away now his Hamilton side are off the bottom of the table - because he remembers a few weeks ago some fans were calling for his head.

It has been quite the turnaround for the Accies boss since the middle of last month.

They lost four straight league games in December and into January to leave them in deep trouble at the foot of the table, sitting six points adrift of Arbroath.

But five new signings in the transfer window and a run to next month's SPFL Trust Trophy final have transformed their fortunes of late, with new boys Dylan McGowan, Tom Sparrow, Dylan Stephenson, Connor Smith and Reghan Tumilty all improving the squad alongside the return of Lucas de Bolle from a lengthy concussion lay-off.

And last night's 2-1 win over Inverness has seen them edge two points in front of the Litchies in the Championship survival fight, as well as moving within two points of Cove Rangers in the safety of eighth place.

It has been a huge few days with back-to-back wins over the Caley Jags and the Accies fans gave the team a roaring reception at the final whistle.

But Rankin says he won't rest on their laurels after a run of five games unbeaten in the league, taking 13 points - which is more than they managed in their previous 20 outings [11 points].

Asked if it it felt good to see the fans giving him and his players a rapturous applause as they left the field last night, he quipped: "The fans were wanting to kill me about three weeks ago.

"Look, I've been in this game a long time. Whether it is criticism or adulation, it doesn't make a difference to me. I don't get caught up in it.

"You've got to remain calm and consistent with your message.

"Of course, I get down when we are defeated but I