Football Season Guide

Hamilton Academical once again overcame the odds last season to avoid the drop, finishing 10th and above the relegated Ross County and Partick Thistle respectively. However, it's a constant cycle for manager Martin Canning, who'll go into the new season with the sole purpose of just avoiding relegation once again. The problem this season, however, is that it may be his most difficult yet. Not only do Livingston and St Mirren, the two newcomers to the league, look solid units. Accies also have a huge issue with player departures over the summer that have left them frantically searching for replacements. Star-man Ali Crawford, Danny Redmond, Lewis Ferguson, Georgios Sarris, Antonio Rojano, David Templeton, and Xavier Tomas have all left the club after playing some starring roles last season. It now means the spine of Canning's side has been ripped out of it, and yet another overhaul has been required. Nobody can accuse Canning and Hamilton for not trying either. A total of 10 recruits have been brought in so far, with more likely on the horizon. Some quality has also been undoubtedly brought in, with Ziggy Gordon, Tom Taiwo, and Lennard Sowah coming in to help plug the defensive gaps. There's huge concern over replacing the quality of Crawford and Templeton, however. Despite six new midfield recruits, none have the reputation or pedigree of the star duo just out the door. However, Canning has shown astute business in the transfer market over the last several years, and there's no reason to believe that's going to stop now after losing some quality talents. An unconvincing start to their Betfred Cup campaign has led to some unrest from supporters. However, Hamilton haven't traditionally done well at this stage of the season, and have tended to wait until the season has settled before making their mark. Doing so again wouldn't be ideal, but ruling out Accies at any point has proved a dangerous game in the past. Whilst more recognised quality would be welcomed between now and the end of the transfer window, Hamilton do have the depth to compete. It's whether quality has been added that's the question on every Accies fan's lips.