Canning unsure of future role
MARTIN CANNING last night insisted he still does not know whether he wants the Hamilton Accies job on a permanent basis.
The 33-year-old defender has been acting as player/ interim coach since the departure of Alex Neil to Norwich City.
But the Lanarkshire club have been inundated with applications for the manager’s position.
Sixty have already been received – including one from former Rangers star Rino Gattuso – with the possibility of more to come before Wednesday’s deadline.
“To be honest, I don’t even know if I will be applying,” said Canning, after yesterday’s loss to Celtic, played out in front of a record New Douglas Park crowd of 6,007.
“I haven’t had time to sit down with my wife and talk about it.
“I’m just doing things as I’m told, day to day, taking the training sessions along with Frankie McAvoy and trying to prepare the boys as best I can.
“There is a lot to think about because it would be a complete change for me.
“It is something I am going to give a lot of thought to, because it deserves that.
“Until then, it is a case of doing what I’m doing at the minute and going day to day.
“Unless I am asked the question there is no point in me worrying.
“I couldn’t have been more proud of the boys because it is unsettling for them not knowing what is happening, but they are still prepared to put in the shift they did.”
Canning, meanwhile, remained philosophical about the fact he is liable to face some impressive competition for the full-time position, should he eventually decide to throw his hat into the ring.
“Listen, it is credit to Hamilton Academical Football Club and a reflection on how they have gone about their business over the past couple of years that some guys of Gattuso’s calibre want to be associated with the job,” he said.
“It doesn’t affect me at all, but it is good for Accies.”