Hamilton players see workload increase 'considerably' as boss anticipates 'real signs of improvement'

Hamilton head coach Stuart Taylor says his squad are reaping the rewards of an improvement in their strength and conditioning work.

Accies have dealt with a multitude of injury problems in the last 12 months, but with Andy Ryan back in training ahead of Friday's Championship match with Inverness, they are down to just one injury.

It means Taylor almost has a full compliment of players to pick from and a big part of that is down to how they are preparing themselves.

Behind the scenes work has gone on at New Douglas Park to ensure player fitness. Taylor's men are in for longer hours, but the boss reckons the best is yet to come despite improvements.

He explained: "I think it's credit to the staff. We have brought in the strength and conditioning programme and prehab work. There's a lot of work getting done behind the scenes that doesn't get noticed.

"At times like this, you look around and realise you only have two injuries. One is back training and the other still has a couple of weeks.

"It is working, but it will also still take a long time for us to see the real signs of improvement with the strength and condition stuff.

"We can see a little upturn though and it's great to see. But it's credit to the players. We have thrown extra hours their way. We have increased their workload considerably.

"The players have been great in that sense that they have bought into it. They've been really receptive to it and if you don't buy into it, you don't get the rewards.

"We have a great bunch of professionals who have been excellent. We aren't there yet in terms of being the best we can be, but we will continue to improve."

Hamilton have just one defeat in seven Championship matches ahead of taking on Inverness on Friday, as Taylor's