ALEX NEIL reckons the introduction of play-offs will rejuvenate the First Division next season.

And the Hamilton boss has set his sights on a top-four berth in his first full campaign in the dugout.

The formation of the Scottish Professional Football League last week means clubs in our second tier will have more chance of gaining promotion to Scotland's highest echelon this season.

The introduction of an end-of-season shoot-out has been mooted for many years and new Accies gaffer Neil is delighted to see progress finally being made.

He said: "It is huge. I think it is a huge thing for Scottish football, particularly for the First Division.

"There were so many teams last season that had nothing to play for, the likes of Livingston, Falkirk and even us to a certain extent towards the end of the season.

"With four, five games to go there was nothing to play for. We couldn't go up but there was no danger of us getting relegated.

"With the top four, I think everyone in the league will be eyeing it up and thinking, 'we have got a chance of getting in there'.

"It is only a couple of games so you never know what can happen, you could end up in the Premier League.

"I think everyone in the league will be aiming to finish in the top four, it is a huge carrot that has never been there before.

"We will be looking to add two or three players before it kicks off and I think if we get that then that has certainly got to be the aim. We have got to look to get into that top four and see where that takes us."

While Dundee will start the campaign as favourites for the new SPFL Championship title next term, the race for promotion could be a close-run affair as several teams eye a shot at a place in the top flight.

Accies are likely to be one of the contenders for a play-off place as Neil looks to carry their stunning end-of-season form into the new campaign following his appointment as Billy Reid's successor on a permanent basis this summer.

Reid is a tough act to follow at New Douglas Park and Neil is keen to showcase his talents.

He said: "I get on really well with Billy, we have a great relationship.

"I was his captain for a long time and I learned a lot from him.

"He is a great guy and I still speak to him. That won't change.

"I spoke to him when I took the job and he wished me all the best and said it was an opportunity that I couldn't pass up.

"There are a number of people who I know in football that I could speak to for a bit of advice.

"But I am my own man and I will try to do things the way that I want it done. I think I have shown that since I have taken over.

"You take bits and pieces from managers you have worked with over the course of your career and try to implement your things in.

"You try and take the things you liked and bring them in.

"I think Billy is just taking a bit of time out just now. He is just waiting for the right opportunity to arise and for him to get back in."