Reid It And Weep - Billy Is Overcome

Apr 20 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

EMOTIONAL Hamilton boss Billy Reid failed to hold back tears after watching his side clinch the First Division title.

The jubilant gaffer broke down after Accies beat Clyde 2-0 to be crowned champions.

Reid almost immediately climbed into the main stand to celebrate with chairman Ronnie McDonald who has backed the club's charge to the SPL.

Billy - who was soaked in champagne - said: "It hasn't really sunk in. I got emotional and for the first time this season I was nervous as the game wore on.

"Hamilton have never won a championship in front of their own fans and that means a lot. We've progressed so much and as well as the kids I'm happy for guys like Mark McLaughlin and Alex Neil.

"I was here when St Johnstone just missed out on promotion and I could see how it affected them.

"So it was vital that didn't happen to us. Dundee deserve great credit for staying on our coat-tails."

Reid's biggest challenge could be holding on to youngsters James McCarthy and James McArthur who were outstanding again yesterday.

But Billy said: "We're in the SPL now but we'll continue to blood young players. If offers come in we'll consider them but we're in no rush to sell.

"I've no doubt they'll shine in the SPL. They're going to be some players, both of them."

Delighted McLaughlin can't believe how far he's come. Before he joined Clyde under Reid and McDonald he was playing in the Junior ranks, yet next season he'll be tackling the likes of Jean-Claude Darcheville and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

He said: "The gaffer instilled a belief in us that we could do it and I want to savour it now."