Hamilton: “I’ve got a point to prove”

Defender Lee Hamilton has declared that he’ll be out to prove a point whenever he dons the Black and Gold of Berwick Rangers next season.

Lee begins: “I’m looking forward to having the chance to prove myself and show what I’m capable of with Berwick.

“I never really got the chance to do that over an extended period at Forthbank. My biggest run in the team was probably in my second season there. Last season I played a fair bit of Under 20 football, but I didn’t feel it was challenging me to the extent I wanted to be.”

Lee’s season wasn’t only limited to youth football however, as he explains how a spell on loan with Bo’ness United towards the back end of the season reignited his desire to flourish in league football.

“My time with Bo’ness was good – I quite enjoyed it. It got me back into regular football, I played around ten games during my time there and that got my fitness up. Before that I was only really playing at development level and sitting on the first-team bench.

It’s clear that the 20 year-old thrives off a challenge as he continues: “I felt the loan spell allowed me to test myself a little more. Despite enjoying my time at a lower level, as soon as I left Forthbank I wanted to find a club in the same league to ensure I could continue to challenge myself.

“So naturally I was delighted when I got the call from the boss. Berwick have always been a good side when we’ve played against them, so I’m pleased to be a part of the squad.

“I want to play as much as possible, and I want to help the team achieve a league position that gives us a chance of promotion.”

The ‘Gers still remain unbeaten in competitive action at home in 2016, and the former Bino went on to reveal that despite limited game time with his former club, Shielfield Park stood out in his mind as a tough place to come as an opposition player.

“During my time with Albion the manager would always remind us that when you go to Berwick you’re in for a tough game.

“The boss would always warn that they’re not a side for being walked over, and whichever Berwick team we’ve went up against have always proven that to be true.”

Hamilton will now have the opportunity to be a part of a Berwick side that teams fear going up against, and he went on to affirm his belief that John Coughlin’s tactical preferences  will allow him to slot in to the ‘Gers team with comfort.

“The wing-back role is probably one of my favourite positions. I’d say I prefer defence to midfield, but I can and have played on the right flank too.

“I think a role which combines the two suits me to a tee – I love going forward and attacking, but I also enjoy the defensive side of things too. I see myself as a fairly fit player so I’m relishing the chance to get up and down the park whilst playing there.”

Hamilton’s arrival from Stirling Albion followed that of another ex-Bino in Kevin McKinlay who operates from the opposite flank, and whilst the youngster admits that Kevin is the only of his new ‘Gers colleagues that he knows, he revealed that he feels at home at Shielfield already.

“Myself and Kevin are quite good friends, but apart from that it’s a new start for me, and that’s something I’m quite looking forward to in itself.

“Pre-season has been really good so far – I’ve actually enjoyed the training. Some of it has been pretty difficult, so it is testing, but the standard has been impressive.

“All the boys have made us more than welcome so I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”