Livingston v Hamilton: Accies ace Connor Smith feels at home now after SEVEN loans spells in six years

Connor Smith hopes having a place to call home after SEVEN loan moves in six years will help him thrive at Hamilton Accies.

The midfielder joined Accies on a two-and-a-half year deal last week, having spent the first half of the season on loan from St Johnstone.

Boss John Rankin knows the 22-year-old inside out from his days helping bring Smith through the youth set-up at Hearts.

And with the pair now working together on a permanent basis, Smith believes the Championship side will help bring out the best in him.

After committing himself to the club until the end of the 2026/27 season, Smith – who has had two loan spells at Accies – said: “That was seven loans I’ve had, and I’m only 22, so it has been a rollercoaster for me so far.

“I have always wanted to be somewhere that I can be settled. I thought that was going to be at St Johnstone, but that obviously didn’t work out.

“Now I am at Accies for two-and-a-half years and I am buzzing about that.

“I’ve known a lot of the boys in the changing room for a few years now and it helps when you get on with them.

“I’ve also known the gaffer since I was 14, so that helps massively.

“Coming in here every day puts a smile on my face and when you are on the pitch and hear the fans singing your name and stuff, that makes a massive difference to me.

“Even when I wasn’t at the club, I was still texting the gaffer back and forward. He has been a massive influence on my career and I’m just happy to be here long term.”

Accies return to Championship action today when they travel to high-flyers Livingston and Smith is determined to make amends for their 2-1 defeat to the Lions earlier in the campaign, with Accies keen to climb away from eighth spot in the table.

Smith added: “Last time we