Hamilton in new hands

Ronnie McDonald left Clyde in February 2002

Former Clyde chief executive Ronnie MacDonald has had his takeover bid for Hamilton Academical accepted.

The news comes just days after the debt-ridden club released all but three of their players and announced plans to go part-time next season.

MacDonald held takeover talks with Dumbarton last year, only for nothing to come of the bid.

It was the same story at Hamilton last season, when they were approached by a group fronted by former Celtic general manager Jock Brown.

Hamilton's money problems over the years led to a players' strike in season 1999-2000 that resulted in a points reduction that forced relegation to Division Three.

Brown's team were shocked by the level of debt weighing down the club when they examined the accounts last year.

Accies crisis tip of the iceberg

Accies have continued to struggle with finances this season, with more late payments of wages to players.

Businessman MacDonald's interest in Hamilton was conditional on the club remaining in Division Two.

Their status was secured with a 2-2 draw with Brechin City last Saturday.

It is being suggested that MacDonald will install Allan Maitland as manager and offer present boss Chris Hillcoat a coaching role.

Maitland was manager at Clyde when the pair led the club to the First Division.

They resigned from the Cumbernauld outfit in February 2002 after a disagreement over cash for the youth development system.

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