They might be operating in different circumstances - but Hamilton Women’s head coach Gary Doctor has been buoyed by a first-hand look at Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou’s methods.
The Parkhead club hosted their International Coaches Convention last week, with Accies’ boss in attendance to hear from the Hoops manager and watch first-team training.
Postecoglou’s ‘Angeball’ has won plenty of plaudits this season for its high-tempo play that’s brought fierce attacking play to Scottish football, and Doctor was intrigued by what he saw.
Preparing his team for Saturday’s SWPL 1 Lanarkshire derby with Motherwell, the New Douglas Park gaffer found his similarities to Celtic’s practices encouraging.
He explained: “It was very interesting and we got good access to the Celtic first-team, and Ange gave a good question and answer session.
“It was really good. The most interesting thing is that you sometimes see a snapshot of training. Players are all different levels, so you can’t worry about that, but you hear coaches talking about how they do things.
“We’re not obviously at the same level, but the methodology and why they are doing things, you actually see that’s how we are sort of running things. It was quite reassuring.
“It gives you a little bit of confidence in your own coaching that these elite coaches are doing things in a certain way.
“There’s things to learn about, like how they use staff, logistical challenges. Everybody faces them day-to-day, and he said he didn’t want hear anybody moaning or whining. It’s just wasting energy.
“That was interesting, and you are always looking for your best practices.”
Hamilton will look for an upturn in results during their final six SWPL 1 matches this season – starting with their derby clash against Motherwell at Fir Park this weekend.
Saturday’s game takes on an unique element, with proceedings taking place at Fir Park as the men’s side are off during the Scottish Cup semi-finals weekend.
While they have only won once this campaign, Doctor says his team’s desire for victory hasn’t faded.
He said: “The mood is good. Performances have been okay for a few weeks now but the results haven’t matched it. Now it’s just about getting results and confidence in ourselves to restore some belief.
“The players deserve a couple of results for their efforts and for their attitude to keep going, to not be rolled over easily. It’s about turning up on the day and this one will be a bit different.
“It’ll be nice for us all to go somewhere a little bit unusual. It’s nice to get a different location for the players and it just adds to a match there was plenty of interest in already.
“Fir Park is more unusual than some but it’s a neutral venue for both teams, really.
“Motherwell haven’t played there themselves in a few years so it’s going to be a new experience for everyone. As players and coaches, we want as many experiences as we can get.”
Saturday’s clash kicks-off at 3pm.
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