The club board has issued a statement following the end of their season
Hamilton Accies have announced they will remain full-time in League One next season and wish to come back to their home town as soon as possible following the news they will be playing in Cumbernauld for the foreseeable future.
The club were relegated this week after losing their appeal against a 15-point deduction for multiple breaches of SPFL rules.
And that news came on the same day the club announced it will be leaving New Douglas Park – their home for the past 24 years – to pursue a move to Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld next season, while the club seek a new purpose-built ground in their home town further down the line.
Accies played their final Championship game of the season last night, losing 3-1 to eventual champions Falkirk, and the board has now issued a statement to update fans on the club’s future, with new appointments to the board set to be announced and the club’s highly renowened youth academy set to continue.
READ MORE: Hamilton Accies to leave New Douglas Park and move to Broadwood as ‘rent free’ option turned downREAD MORE: Hamilton Accies relegated as SFA throw out appeal on eve of Championship finale, leaving Airdrie breathing sigh of relief
The club statement 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.
“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.”
READ MORE: Hamilton Accies boss: Players feel angry and let down by relegation but in my mind we’ve finished seventhREAD MORE: Falkirk 3 Hamilton 1: Accies give Bairns a fright before McGlynn’s men roar back to seal title and Premiership promotion
