Stanley swoop for Deadline Day duo
STANLEY celebrated a successful transfer window deadline day by holding on to their prized assets – while adding two quality new arrivals.
The Reds completed the permanent signing of midfielder Ethan Hamilton from Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday while also recruiting striker Jovan Malcolm from West Brom on a season-long loan deal.
Hamilton, 22, began his career with Manchester United, before heading out on loan spells with Rochdale, Southend United and Bolton Wanderers.
Having also represented Scotland at various youth levels, he joined Peterborough on a permanent deal in August 2020 and went on to make 44 first team appearances for the club.
He celebrated promotion to the Championship with the Posh last season but chances have been limited in the new campaign and he is now excited to sign up at the Wham Stadium.
“I started my career in Edinburgh with a local team and moved to Manchester United when I was 15. I was with Jimmy Dunne there, who was at Accrington on loan a couple of seasons ago,” said Hamilton.
“I know League One well, I have played a lot of games in League One and have been on loan at Rochdale and went down to Southend and then to
Bolton as well when I was at Manchester United.
“Last season when Peterborough got promoted, it was amazing, the lads were brilliant, and it was a brilliant season to be a part of.
“Now I am looking forward to being here. I want to kick on and play games and this is a great place to come and do that.
“I am a high-energy midfielder, box-to-box, and I try and get myself into the box and score as well.
“I am familiar with this area and the opportunities are great here and I am delighted to get the deal done.”
Malcolm, 18, joined The Baggies during his foundation phase, with the striker then progressing through the youth ranks at The Hawthorns.
He grabbed seven league goals in 15 appearances for the club’s Under18s last season, with the youngster then earning himself a promotion to the Under-23s during the latter stages of the campaign.
The duo could play a part in the matchday squad for Saturday’s home clash against Shrewsbury Town when manager John Coleman will be looking for his Reds to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at MK Dons.
The Stanley boss was not impressed with either side on the day but felt the Dons were sharper in taking what few chances they did create.
“I didn’t think either team were good on the day,” he said.
“There was nothing in the game - we had a glorious chance to make it 1-0 around 16 minutes in and they hadn’t laid a glove on us up to that point, they barely laid a glove on us up to the last minute of the first half and then they scored. It was good play by Mo Eisa, he did really well, but our defensive plan has worked to a treat, they hadn’t troubled us and it was a classic away performance – but you can’t concede in the last minute. It was sloppy, really.
“The second half followed a similar pattern. We had a couple of scrambles in their goal from throws and corners. They were happy to counter and then we miss another glorious opportunity with Joel Mumbongo going clean through and they go up the other end and score.
“The disappointing thing for me is that we haven’t had a shot on their target, that’s not normally like us. We’ve got to be better.”