ALL CHANGE AT ACCIES AS CLUB EYES SALE
Mcgowan to take over and chiefs would consider serious bids for “new custodians”
Hamilton chief executive Colin Mcgowan is set to take control of Accies from current owner Ronnie Macdonald with a view to exploring the sale of the club to a potential new buyer for next season, the Advertiser has learned.
Macdonald, 71, (right) will be taking considerably less involvement in the dayto-day running of operations and Mcgowan will be buying Macdonald’s share of the club, assuming full control within days.
It comes amid talk of a takeover at the Scottish Championship club from outside parties and the Advertiser understands the hierarchy would accept a serious offer to pass the baton on to new owners, who must have the community club’s best interests at heart.
Two notes of interest have been put forward about acquiring the club, while a third tentative enquiry has also been made.
Some initial discussions have already taken place, but it is understood any takeover would not be completed before the end of the current season.
The New Douglas Park outfit also have a number of charitable operations including the Blameless charity, which offers support to children and families affected by alcoholism and addiction.
Alongside the club’s highlyregarded youth academy, assurances on their long-term future would be the cornerstone of any takeover deal being approved.
A source told the Advertiser: “There has been interest in a takeover and a suitable offer would be accepted for the club.
“It would need to be real football people who approached the board of directors and they would have to buy into the community focus and the longevity of the youth academy. “The youth academy is paramount to whatever the club does.
“Nothing will be done quickly and no takeover is imminent. “The stadium is not for sale because it is at the heart of the community, and Hamilton Accies are a tenant of that stadium.
“Anyone coming in would be the new custodians of the club. “If the right kind of people don’t come in, then the club will not be sold.” Macdonald took control of the New Douglas Park outfit in June 2003 for just £1 and his backing helped the club reach the Scottish Premiership in 2014, where the club stayed until last season when they were relegated to the Championship.
The club did lose £1m in October 2017 after falling victim to an internet scam, but their player development programme has helped provide a vital source of income.
During Macdonald’s tenure, the club’s youth academy has produced top talents including James Mccarthy, James Mcarthur, Lewis Ferguson and, most recently, Scott Mcmann, who was sold to Dundee United in August.