Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin is the 'perfect fit' says chairman Allan Maitland

Hamilton Accies chairman Allan Maitland says John Rankin is the 'perfect fit' for the club as he comes in as head coach.

The New Douglas Park club officially introduced Rankin to the media this afternoon, having appointed the 39-year-old on Tuesday.

Former Dundee United and Hibs midfielder Rankin has a wealth of experience, and spent four-and-a-half years at Hearts as a coach before coming in as assistant to Stuart Taylor in December.

Taylor parted company with the club last week, with Rankin seemingly the obvious choice.

Maitland says it offers continuity to the club as they bid for promotion from the Championship.

He said: "John has been with us since December and helped us get through to the end of the season.

"With Stuart Taylor leaving I wanted to make an immediate appointment, if that was possible.

"It gives us continuity, with John knowing the players, who understands the ethos of the football, how much we want to bring kids through from the Academy, and how important the Academy is.

"He's the perfect fit for us, and I'm delighted that he's agreed to join us."

Rankin commented: "I don't know if I can put it into words, to be honest with you, and I've got to thank the club for the opportunity.

"I'm 39 years old, I've been given the opportunity to manage a Championship club at this stage is an opportunity I couldn't turn down.

"I'm really excited by it, I know the players, which I've grown relationships with over the last six months.

"That was a massive factor in me taking the job. I know how well they work, how good a bunch they are, and what's needed as well to improve.

"I'm really excited by it, and it seemed to be the next stage in my managerial coaching journey.

"I spent four-and-a-half years at Hearts, I loved