Midfielder Ali Crawford signs two-year contract extension at Hamilton Accies

May 26 2011 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Accies boss Billy Reid this week spoke of his delight after re-signing young midfielder Ali Crawford on a two-year deal.

The new contract keeps the 19-year-old at the club until 2013.

Crawford impressed towards the end of last season and Reid is delighted to have him on board for Accies’ assault on the First Division championship.

Reid hopes Grant Gillespie follows Crawford by penning a similar deal, and he has tabled an offer for Jon Routledge to stay on at the club for another year.

He said: “Ali signed on Tuesday and I hope Grant stays as well.

“This is a big season for the wee man (Ali) who played really well last season and could improve his game by weighing in with a couple of goals, which I know he’s more than capable of.”

Reid added: “I’ve made Jon an offer and that’s all I can do, so I hope he takes it.

“We’re down in the First Division now, so I’ve got a budget to work with and I’ve offered him what I can.

“I’ve got a lot of time for Jon and I think there’s a lot more to come from him, so I would like to have him on board.”

Reid (right) is ready to put his faith in the club’s youth set-up as he builds a squad he feels is capable of competing for promotion.

He said: “We’re a wee bit short with our squad because we’ve let a few players go, but you will see a lot of young lads this season, like David Hopkirk, Jordan Kirkpatrick and young lads at the back like Lee Kilday.

“Overall, I’m delighted with how things are going and I’m trying to tie up some other things.

“I feel that we’re a bit short up front and I’m looking to sort that out, but everybody else is looking for the same thing.”

Hamilton have confirmed pre-season friendlies away to Berwick and East of Scotland Premier League newcomers Gretna 2008 on July 8 and 12, respectively.

The games at Shielfield and Raydale Park kick off at 7.45pm and 7pm, respectively.

More games are planned for later in July as Accies gear up for pre-season, with training starting on June 16.

Meanwhile, Accies have announced a unique season ticket initiative in a bid to make attending their home matches more affordable in these financially difficult times.

For season 2011-12, fans will get 18 First Division games for a fixed price of £130 across the board, although this also entitles the holder to two free season tickets for children aged under 10.

Chairman Ronnie MacDonald said: “I hope this approach to affordable pricing will allow more people to come along and be part of their local community club.

“I am fully aware of the difficulties facing many of our supporters and I have tried to break the upward price spiral, which has squeezed so many and prevented them from coming along to New Douglas Park.

“An enthusiastic support is essential to encourage our new generation of young players in our campaign to return to the Scottish Premier League.

“As ever we will be sympathetic to any individuals or groups within our area who, even with the reduced price, struggle to afford to attend.

“I hope this initiative will result in more local people being actively involved in their club.”

Pay at the gate prices for home league matches will be £16 for adults, and £8 for under-18s and over-65s.

Season tickets can be bought from today (Thursday) from the ticket office at New Douglas Park, and existing season ticket-holders have until June 13 to renew, thereafter all will be on public sale.

The ticket office can be contacted on 01698 368650 and is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am-5pm (closed Bank Holiday Monday, May 30).

The ticket office will be open on Saturday, May 28, from 9am-5pm while the funfair is on at New Douglas Park car park (visitors please note that parking is in the underground car-park at Morrisons).