Football Season Guide

Hamilton avoided a relegation play off thanks to the premature ending of the season. They struggled for the majority of the campaign and only significant improvement late in the season, beating Rangers and Kilmarnock, saved them from relegation. Their youth focused squad struggled up front, despite Ogkompe and Moyo improving later in the season. But several academy graduates continued impressing in the first team with Jamie Hamilton and Lewis Smith standouts. Several new signings have arrived so far although none with significant top flight experience. Canada international Charlie Trafford is the standout and will offer a strong physical core in midfield. Loan signings are likely to arrive before transfer window shuts. Several key departures including George Oakley do not appear to have been adequately replaced though Hamilton will likely bring reinforcements in on loan from England within the next month. Some of last season’s acquisitions took their time to settle in but, this season, Hamilton have gone for bringing in players from lower leagues and will no doubt promote from the youth system. The team suffers from a lack of experience and physical ability. While they have plenty of good technical players, they look set to find themselves outmuscled by most opposition.