Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin 'will use old clubs' to strengthen squad

Former Dundee United and Hibs midfielder John Rankin says he will use his former clubs to bring players in to Hamilton Accies.

But the head coach says it won't just be players for the sake of it, but those who will improve his squad.

Rankin was appointed as head coach on Tuesday and formally introduced this afternoon, as he replaces Stuart Taylor.

The 39-year-old says former clubs and every possible method will need to be looked into as he strives to strengthen his squad ahead of the Championship kick-off against Morton on July 30.

He said: "I'm going to use the clubs I've been at. I need to use everything I can, and work to my benefit.

"But it will need to be people who are going to make this place better, and have a real worth to the club, so hopefully that's what they will do.

"Over the next three or four weeks we'll be striving to make changes, make the place better, and hopefully continue the hard work that has already been done."

Rankin says having the new football board, with chairman Allan Maitland and director of football David MacKinnon, behind him is a major aspect of taking on the job and hopes to appoint a new backroom team soon.

"It's building something that we can step into and look to the future.

"Everything's changing, everything evolves, and it's about moving with it.

"I've been in close contact with the football board, with Dave and Allan, over the last couple of days, and I've been really taken in by their ideas and what we're trying to do.

"Backroom team is massive, I'm aware of that, and I'm looking forward to who I can convince to be part of that.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge and it's one I want to share my vision and challenge with - but one that will make both the players and