03-08-2025
How Hamilton Accies' squad looks after transfer embargo
Hamilton Accies' transfer embargo has left the club with just 19 first team players to choose from this season.
The League One club were hit by a season-long transfer ban last week for failing to notify the SPFL they had been in default of their tax obligations to HMRC on three occasions and are only allowed to bring in under-19 players or amateurs as part of the sanction imposed.
But it is understood the club will not be making any moves to strengthen their squad with youngsters ahead of the big kick-off this weekend at home to Montrose, nor for the foreseeable future.
While Accies are still able to field a number of key men from last term, goalkeeper Dean Lyness and Dylan McGowan, who are both contracted until May 2026, will not be able to feature.
A Hampden source has told Lanarkshire Live Sport that Hamilton allowed their deals to expire before launching their recent contract extensions with the SFA, meaning they come under 'new registrations' caught by the embargo.
Last season's loanees Ricki Lamie and Charlie Telfer - who were offered permanent deals after both being released by Ross County - also can't play.
Midfielder Ben Williamson - who was badly injured in a car accident in December - is also not included in this season's squad.
Hamilton can promote youngsters from their youth squads but the current pool for the League One campaign - which includes three 16-year-old midfielders in Kayden Aitken, Josh Carson and Aaron Eadie - will be as follows:
Goalkeepers: Michael Marks; Jamie Smith
Defenders: Tony Gallacher; Stephen Hendrie; Lee Kilday; Kyle MacDonald; Cian Newbury; Fergus Owens.
Midfielders: Kayden Aitken, Steven Bradley, Josh Carson, Aaron Eadie, Barry Maguire, Stuart McKinstry, Connor Smith.
Forwards: Liam Morgan, Kevin O'Hara, Scott Robinson, Oli Shaw.
Players out on loan: Josh Lane (Stranraer, goalkeeper) Neil Stafford (Forfar Athletic, goalkeeper).
Accies face Montrose on Saturday in the League One opener and a fan protest is being planned by the Accies Supporters Association outside Broadwood ahead of the clash.
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