Accies pledge on McCarthy funds

Hamilton manager Billy Reid says the money generated by the sale of midfielder James McCarthy will help to fund his summer transfer raids.

McCarthy, 18, has agreed a four-year deal with English Premier League club Wigan Athletic for an initial £1.2m rising to £3m depending on appearances.

"We've made offers to some players and we realise we have to add to the squad," Reid told BBC Scotland.

"We'll certainly do that between now and the start of the season."

Wigan are expected to parade McCarthy within the next 24 hours and Reid revealed he would have been keen to work with the midfielder for another season.

But he said the Scottish Premier League club welcomed the transfer fee in the current financial climate.

"It was inevitable that young James would eventually leave the club," Reid told BBC Radio Scotland's Sports Report.

"His progression has been staggering; I'd have loved to have worked with him for another season"

"We've said all along that if a bid was accepted then we wouldn't stand in his way. And we've been true to our word.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for the young man and I'm just hoping that he settles in England and shows everyone what a good player he is.

"His progression has been staggering. I'd have loved to have worked with him for another season."

Hamilton chairman Ronnie MacDonald said that, although the club would be looking to make new signings, it would not be at the expense of bringing through more young talent from Accies' youth system.

"Brian Easton has gone to Burnley, but James Gibson will slot in there at left-back and he's already played 54 first-team games," he told BBC Scotland.

"Hopefully, there will be some young guy coming in behind to slot into the system."

Former Rangers defender Marvin Andrews has signed a one-year deal with Hamilton after rejecting a new deal with Raith Rovers.

Accies have also concluded the paperwork on goalkeeper Tomas Cerny's £180,000 move from Sigma Olomouc after a successful loan spell last season.

Striker Joel Thomas, meanwhile, has signed for English League One club Colchester United for £125,000.

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