Hamilton defender Michael Doyle always believed he'd land himself a Championship club after his release from Queen's Park.
The 30-year-old is back in the second tier after agreeing a deal with head coach John Rankin's side. His spell at the Spiders was a successful one, helping them win two promotions.
It hurt to leave after playing 45 matches last season on Queen's Park's way to Championship play-off final success, but it didn't get him down.
Doyle instead returned for summer pre-season training at Accies motivated and has loved his time in South Lanarkshire so far.
Championship football isn't new to him, having played there 201 times before in his career, now looking to help his new club finish higher than sixth like they did in term 2021/22.
He said: "It was no secret that I was really disappointed to be leaving Queen's after two successful years there, playing almost every game.
"These things happen in football and I am experienced enough to know that. I dropped down from the Championship to go on a journey with Falkirk, then Queen's.
"I know what it is all about in this league, and to finish in the promotion play-offs. We did it with Morton with what you wouldn't call the best squad.
"But what we did was we stuck together. We were there and finished fourth. I know what it takes to get into the play-offs in the league. I also know what it is like to get promoted."
His competitive debut didn't end in great terms for Rankin's men, losing 3-0 to Dundee in a Premier Sports Cup Group H opener against Dundee.
Overall though, the right-back says it's been a great move: "I have loved it so far. The reason I came in here was because I knew it was a hard-working club.
"I came in here initially to do some training and keep me ticking over. It just so happened they needed a right-back and a player. I jumped at the chance to stay.
"We know last year the standards at Hamilton maybe wasn't good enough. Hamilton want to be higher up the league."
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