Friday 23 January 2015 18:10, UK
Scottish Premiership side Hamilton have confirmed Martin Canning as their new player-manager.
The 33-year-old defender, who has made more than 250 appearances for the Accies, has been in charge for the last three games - all defeats - since Alex Neil left for Norwich.
Chris Swailes has been appointed as his assistant while Guillaume Beuzelin, who played four times for the club six years ago, leaves his post as assistant manager at Dumbarton to take up the role of head coach.
Most importantly, it's making sure we get things right on the pitch. But I feel as I f I still have something to offer and as long as I think that I will continue to play.
Other changes in the backroom staff see Brian Potter come in as goalkeeping coach and Dougie Imrie take responsibility for the U17 side.
Canning said: "It is a great opportunity for me to go into management while marrying it with playing. A lot of player/managers play less or stop playing so that tells you that it is not an easy thing to do.
"But obviously it is a lot of change and there is a lot of stuff I am going to have to deal with and get my head round.
'Excitement'
"It's all new to me in terms of the management side of things and dealing with things that I have to deal with. I wouldn't call it nervous, it's an excitement but I am under no illusion this will be a difficult task in terms of continuing what we're doing.
"Most importantly, it's making sure we get things right on the pitch. But I feel as if I still have something to offer and as long as I think that I will continue to play.
"That's why it is important to have a good backroom team to take as much of that strain off as possible. It has all worked out well."
Asked how he will combine his playing duties with management, he told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's something I will get my head round. I done it in the Celtic game but it is a problem I am going to have in terms of finding the right balance.
"But I don't expect it to be a big problem as I expect to get to grips with it pretty quickly and I want to continue playing for as long as I can."
Canning takes charge of the side for the first time in his new role against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at New Douglas Park this Saturday (3.00pm).
