Chairman has more signings in his sights

Jun 14 2007

HAMILTON Accies chairman Ronnie MacDonald said the club has targeted five or six signings this summer as they aim to strengthen for next season.

Goalkeeper Bryn Halliwell and striker Neil Teggart have already been snapped up, and moves are currently underway to add to the squad.

MacDonald hopes that bringing experienced players to New Douglas Park will balance out a squad which will be boosted by six or seven youth players who are being given professional contracts.

Manager Billy Reid is on holiday at the moment, but it’s hoped that more new faces will arrive before the start of pre-season training on June 25.

MacDonald has been pleased with progress made so far, saying: “We’re looking for five or six experienced guys in total this summer, adding to six or seven guys from our youth set-up who will be put on to full pro forms.

“It’s another big season for us, but we’re an established First Division club now, we’re not looking behind us, we’re looking upwards and want to push on.”

Ronnie added: “We need to bring in experienced players to work alongside the younger players, but we also have guys like James McArthur, who has played 80 to 90 games, while James McCarthy and Brian Easton have more experience. They can all pass that on to younger guys like Gary Gow and Nathan Taylor.

“We will be stronger than we were last year, so we’re very positive. We will keep progressing on the limited funds that we have.”

Hamilton’s proposed pre-season tour of the Republic of Ireland has been called off, and English side Sheffield United cancelled a proposed friendly match at New Douglas Park after failing to arrange more matches in Scotland.

The club confirmed that a side will compete in East Kilbride Thistle’s tournament on July 21 and 22, alongside the hosts, Stirling Albion and Arthurlie.

Hamilton’s team will be a composite of under-17 and under-19 players.

Meanwhile, Scottish Football League bosses will today (Thursday) release next season’s fixtures.