John Hughes praised Hamilton's resilience during their seven-year stint in the Scottish Premiership and he hopes they return soon.
Ross County effectively relegated Accies by beating them 2-1 in a gigantic bottom of the table clash but Hughes expressed his sympathies towards Hamilton boss Brian Rice.
The pair are close friends from their time working together at various clubs and Hughes hopes Rice can do him a favour against Kilmarnock on Sunday.
Only a miracle will save Accies from the drop as they require an 18-goal swing against Killie but if the Ayrshire side fail to win then County will be guaranteed survival.
"I have to give commiserations to Hamilton," Hughes said. "Brian Rice is a really good mate of mine and they've been absolutely different class in the Scottish Premiership in recent years.
"They've got something about them. If I could get that spirit and never say die attitude here on a regular basis then I'd take that.
"I just wish them a speedy recovery back into the league and I'm looking for a favour from them on Sunday. I'll be on the phone making sure that he's got his team up and ready to go.
"I felt Hamilton were the better team for long periods of the game. But to go a goal down, stick in, trust each other and dig it out I'm absolutely delighted for them {Ross County players}."
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