Hamilton's Championship journey analysed as boss sets 'where we want to go' challenge

Hamilton head coach Stuart Taylor says he's always taking stock of his team's progress - as it helps them in their quest to reach the Premiership.

Accies won't make an immediate return to Scotland's top-flight after relegation last year, following a 1-0 loss to Championship title-chasers Arbroath last Saturday ended their promotion play-off hopes.

His seventh-placed team travel to Morton this Saturday before rounding off the season with a home tie against Raith Rovers and long journey north to Inverness.

Taylor took over as boss from Brian Rice last August and their only two defeats over an 11-game stretch have come against Kilmarnock and Arbroath, who sit first and second in the division.

But ultimately the 47-year-old knows constant improvement is needed if they are to look upwards next season.

He said: "I reflect almost every week on where we were, to where we are now. It's a journey that's about where we want to go, and unfortunately that won't happen this season.

"We know how to get there, but we have to keep improving. We need to ensure we are getting better and that evolves throughout a season.

"It's things like transfer window and we are hitting another one soon. We've got lads playing through bumps and knocks, and we need to make sure we don't push some of them too far."

The former Ipswich Town coach believes that despite missing out on a promotion tilt, Hamilton have plenty to play for as their season ends this month.

Taylor added: "We still have to win games. That is what we are paid to do. I said when I came in that I wanted to change the culture and part of that is being ruthless.

"The lads are professional and want to win every game. They are keen to progress and they don't need me repeating these things