Forget the Old Firm and the battle for the SPL
Saturday as a football fan, manager, player or sports writer is all about one thing - the football.
The first tought on my mind this weekend will be the big one at Hamilton where the league leaders face table topping rivals Dundee.
Everything will be geared to getting ready to head to watch the Accies.
Being paid for the privelage makes it all the more sweeter but no matter what capacity we attend a game it's all about the labour of love. Both of the teams taking the field at New Douglas Park have one thing in common - they're managed by individuals who've had to scrap to get to where they are. The First Division is an enviroment for footballng street fighters and make no mistake, both Billy Reid and Alex Rae have the stomach for a battle.
This will be my first look at Hamilton kid James McCarthy who has had a £1 million price tag wrapped around his neck ever since he had a stint on trial at Liverpool. I cannot wait to see if it's just hype or if he's the real deal. The same applies to his midfield side-kick James McArthur, although shrewd judges tell me he's the pick of the current crop of Accies kids on the go. No doubt I'll be getting my lunchtime text message from Dundee's Paul McHale to inform me he's been stuck on the bench again. Paul's been a close friend of mine ever since I suggested to Clyde boss of the time Graham Roberts to sign him during the infamous Broadwood trials of a few years ago. I fear it'll be another counciling session coming his way.
It's becoming something of an occupational hazzard, forget Jeff Sterling being first with the latest team news. He should have a camera pointing at my mobile in the build-up to kick-offs around the country. Honestly, beep, beep, 'the ba****** gone and dropped me again' should be my new ring tone. I can't wait for this game between the two teams who've started the season in some style. Having spoken to Accies striker Richard Offiong yesterday I know how much last weeks defeat at St Johnstone hurt so expect a backlash if the fixed odds are your thing.
Hamilton are a sentimental club for me as they were the team I scored my first ever senior goal against. A John Sludden cross from the right was headed brilliantly past Allan Ferguson to earn Clyde a 2-0 win. It was at Old Douglas Park which is now Morrison's supermarket and I was hit by a pie thrown from the crowd as I took a throw-in minutes later. Then verbally abused by Hamilton's most famous fan, Fergie, who was later given a life ban by the club. My mum had to leave the game at half-time as the excitement was too much for her.
So yes, I'll be having a walk down memory lane at three-o-clock tomorrow and taking a glance at Morrison's just down the road from the new ground. My fixed odds coupon will still be a hard luck story at quarter to five so the more things change the more they stay the same and Paul McHale will still be looking for answers as to why he cannot get a game.