Hamilton Academical: Scottish League 1 club intends to return to New Douglas Park

Troubled Scottish League 1 club Hamilton Academical intend to return to their New Douglas Park home from next season.

The Lanarkshire club have been playing at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld this term after a row over the lease at New Douglas Park.

Rob Edwards’ Morley Sports Management Group bought the club from Seref Zengin in January after a turbulent 18 months, which involved multiple points deductions and relegation from the Championship following a series of rule breaches.

Players threatened to go on strike earlier this season over unpaid wages as Hamilton fought to avoid insolvency.

Now the new owners say they want the club to “reignite its presence in the local community” by returning to Hamilton, subject to SPFL approval.

The club say they have signed a two-year deal with the owners of New Douglas Park, with the option to extend.

Some fans have boycotted games at Broadwood, which is 15 miles away from Hamilton.

“For our supporters, this return is about coming home,” Hamilton said in a statement.

“We know how much this ground means to you and we are committed to making it a place where memories are made for years to come.”

Accies are currently second bottom of League 1, having been deducted 21 points for breaches including failing to pay players on time, failing to achieve a Scottish FA bronze license and paying trialists and fielding amateur players while under a transfer embargo.