Hamilton to remain full-time despite disastrous relegation – but uncertainty remains over home stadium plans
They look all but certain to leave their current ground for good
IN FLUX Hamilton to remain full-time despite disastrous relegation – but uncertainty remains over home stadium plans
HAMILTON have revealed the club will remain full-time despite their disastrous relegation to League One following a points deduction for breaking SPFL rules.
The South Lanarkshire club were docked 15 points by the authorities last month and have subsequently been relegated from the Championship.
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Hamilton Accies look destined to leave New Douglas Park
Accies were hit with four separate charges including a failure to report not paying players, not providing correct stadium ownership information, downgrading their Sscottish FA licence and not submitting club membership criteria by the required deadline.
The club appealed the decision but it was dismissed earlier this week.
Amid their money worries - which included a year's worth of unpaid rent over their home stadium (that they don't own) - Hamilton have been forced to consider whether to keep their players employed on a full-time basis, in order to help them return to the Championship as quick as possible.
The club has confirmed they will do just that but uncertainty remains over where they will actually play their matches next season.
This week, bosses as Hamilton said they were considering MOVING OUT of New Douglas Park amid a cash row with the owners of the stadium.
That was despite the owners offering to postpone the debts until a solution could be found.
It would mean a ground share with Clyde next year at Broadwood, and potentially the building of a new stadium in the future - potentially outside the town of Hamilton.
However, the board has revealed they will try to avoid relocating on a permanent basis.
A message to fans outlined six key points the board will be following in the wake of relegation.
The statement, from chairman Jock Brown, read: "Following the Board's statement on receipt of the disappointing outcome of the SFA Appeal Tribunal hearing we require to make it clear once again that while we would like to expand on the circumstances relating to the charges, and the defences submitted, we are unable to do so without breaching SPFL Regulations.
Hamilton Accies fans chant 'Sack The Board' as club learn relegation fate after Queen's Park draw
"However, now that relegation has been established, we can clarify that the following decisions have been taken:
"1. The club will do what it must do in times of adversity – it will fight with relentless determination to achieve promotion back to the Championship at the earliest opportunity, ideally next season, and look to progress further in the future.
"2. The club will remain full-time.
"3. The Academy will remain a vital factor in the club's future. The development of youth remains at the forefront of our thinking and planning. Following the temporary relocation to Broadwood new arrangements will be made imminently to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the football education of our valued youngsters. These arrangements will be communicated to parents in early course. It is also the club's intention to retain elite status for the academy.
"4. The club will be making strategic appointments to the Board aimed at strengthening its overall leadership, governance and long-term direction.
"5. On the basis that the Board agrees with supporters that the club should be based in Hamilton efforts will continue with South Lanarkshire Council towards that end. The Board appreciates the warm support and co-operation to date from the Council officials involved. North Lanarkshire Council was made aware from the start of our discussions about Broadwood that our long-term aim is to return to Hamilton. Their understanding and co-operation is also greatly appreciated.
"6. Further communications with supporters will continue on a regular basis.
"Jock Brown, Chairman."
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