Alex Neil named Accies’ player/manager

Hamilton Academical have appointed Alex Neil as player/manager on a permanent basis.

The 31-year-old replaced Billy Reid on an interim basis last month and led Accies to five wins in seven Irn-Bru First Division games.

The former Airdrie, Barnsley and Mansfield midfielder joined Accies in August 2005 and was instrumental in their promotion to the Scottish Premier League.

A statement on Hamilton’s club website read: “The chairman [Les Gray] is delighted to announce that he has today reached agreement with Alex Neil to become player coach/manager on a permanent basis until the end of his current contract in May 2014.

“A further meeting will take place to discuss an extended contract as the club plan for the future.”