ALEX NEIL is grateful for his job security at Hamilton after the first managerial casualty of the Scottish football season.

Accies will host Ross County this afternoon just days after boss Derek Adams was sacked after a poor start to the campaign.

The Staggies are bottom of the Premiership standings having lost all four fixtures this term.

But the timing of Adams' shock departure has surprised many in the game as his father George was also removed from his position as director of football at the club at the same time.

Neil has worked wonders at New Douglas Park as he has guided his side to promotion and second place in the top-flight table.

He said: "To be honest, I wouldn't have taken the job if that structure wasn't in place because I still want to play.

"I wouldn't say I was forced into management.

"But if I was at a different club where the structure isn't in place and it was a case of 'if you don't do well you are out the door after a wee while' then I wouldn't have taken it and I would have continued playing.

"I have been here for 10 years now. I know the guys at the top level really well and I know they will give me time to get the team the way that I want."

Victory over Partick Thistle last weekend continued Hamilton's remarkable run of form as they made it three top-flight wins on the spin.

Goals from Jason Scotland and the returning Tony Andreu clinched a late triumph at Firhill.

And Neil is delighted to have his French midfield maestro Andreu back available after a spell on the sidelines.

He said: "If you have goals from the middle of the park it is priceless and Tony adds that.

"He scored 16 last season and it was crucial for us.

"He has come back in, played two games and scored two goals.

"He is really important to the way we play but so are the other boys.

"If they are not doing their jobs, the likes of Martin Canning, Darian MacKinnon and Ali Crawford, then Tony doing his part at the other end of the pitch is irrelevant really.

"It is a team sport and we have to use the full squad."