Football Season Guide

Having defied the odds for several seasons, Accies fell into line and finished bottom of the Premiership. Four defeats without scoring in their last 5 matches sealed their fate. Yet for a team the size of Hamilton, with the limited resources they have, they can look back on their 7-season spell in the Premiership with pride. Hamilton have resisted the temptation for wholesale changes but last season’s top scorer, Ross Callachan, has opted to stay in the Premiership with Ross County. Defender Aaron Martin has moved back to England with Port Vale. Others with a good number of appearances such as forward Marios Ogkmpoe and midfielders Nathan Thomas and Charlie Trafford have also moved on. Striker Andy Ryan makes a return to Accies after a successful spell at Stirling Albion. Kieran MacDonald also returns to his former club after impressing at left-back for Raith Rovers. Midfielder Lewis Spence returns to Scotland with 40 appearances for Scunthorpe last season. Promising defender Matthew Shiels has also signed on at New Douglas Park. Hamilton have not panicked after their relegation, sacked their manager, or ditched most of their squad. They are known for not conforming and abiding to expectations. They are an awkward lot and expect them to be contesting the top positions in the Championship.