Hamilton Accies boss labels Coleraine 'toughest tie' as SPFL Trust trophy defence begins

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin is determined to keep hold of the SPFL Trust Trophy, but says Coleraine is the toughest draw possible.The League One side head to Northern Ireland for the third round tie as they begin the defence of a trophy that provided a high point on an otherwise bleak campaign last season.Rankin points out that the Showground club have had £2million investment in the last week, but says it’s a good challenge for his players.He said: “That was probably the toughest tie we could have got, going into Ireland and into the unknown, so to speak.“Coleraine are a good side, they’ve had £2million worth of investment over the last week or so with regards to a takeover.“They’ve got plans, they’re an ambitious club and it’s one we’re really looking forward to – it’s something different for the players.“We’ll fly out and back and we’ll be prepared for it.

It’s a challenge that we’re looking forward to, because it’s something different.”Accies had a massive turnover of their squad in the summer but still have players who experienced the trophy win at Falkirk, including Reghan Tumilty who scored the winner, captain Scott Martin and defender Dylan McGowan.Rankin said: “There are players who experienced the highs of winning the cup last season and I think it’s important that they’re here to speak about it.“Reghan Tumilty has fond memories of it, having scored the winner, and Dylan and Scotty overcame adversity I don’t know how many times that day, with things that were thrown our way.“Right now, we’re the holders and we’re keen to remain in the cup.

It was a tough cup journey last season and it will be the same again, starting on Saturday.”Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport onTwitter via@LanLiveSport, like us onFacebooko