AT the end of last month Hamilton Accies announced they would NOT be able to sign any new players this year – after being hit with a season-long transfer embargo.
But that hasn’t stopped John Rankin from getting a few players in the door at their new home Broadwood just HOURS before their league kick off today.
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Hamilton face Montrose at their new temporary home in Cumbernauld this afternoon after being forced out of New Douglas Park amid a cash row with Colin McGowan, who owns the stadium.
It’s the opening day of League One action after Accies dropped down to the third tier again following their relegation from the Championship last season.
The club couldn’t avoid the drop after they were handed a shock 15-POINT deduction by league bosses with just THREE games left to play.
The SPFL took action after the club breached multiple rules, including a failure to report not paying their players.
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Then following a hearing which took place on July 24, Accies were struck with their transfer embargo by league bosses for failing to settle their tax obligations on three occasions.
That has left the crisis-hit club unable to buy any players for a fee or even sign players on a free transfer – if they have to pay them wages.
But Accies boss Rankin has still managed to snap up THREE players ahead of their league opener against Montrose – by offering them AMATEUR contracts.
More than two hours before kick-off, they announced the signing of Nigerian Under-23 international Idris Munir, who spent last season with Drumchapel United where he was named their Young Player of the Year.
He also featured 49 times in the Nigerian Professional Football League before that, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists.
Accies have also captured Mikey Stone, 21, who has been a free agent since being released by Huddersfield Town at the end of last season.
And finally, 23-year-old defender Cale Loughery has also moved to Scotland following a stint in Romania with second division outfit Corvinus Hunedoara.
The Canadian centre-back spent pre-season at Accies and impressed Rankin with his displays.
On the move, the 23-year-old said: “I’m delighted to sign here for Hamilton Accies. Pre-season has been tough, the gaffer has been challenging us from day one but it’s been a great experience so far and I’m looking forward to getting started in the league this weekend.”
21-year-old Munir revealed Darian McKinnon played a big role in bringing him to the club.
He said: “I’ve been in the country for a few years and the opportunity to make this next stage in my development was one I couldn’t turn down. I worked with Daz last year at Drumchapel so I know the standards that he sets.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started.”
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Fellow new recruit Stone said: “Pre-season has been difficult but we’ve all been working hard and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
“I’ve really enjoyed working with the gaffer and the boys in the run up to the league starting and I’m excited to get going.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
