Sam Stubbs: Hamilton sign Middlesbrough defender on loan

Sam Stubbs spent last season on loan at Notts County

Hamilton Academical have signed Middlesbrough defender Sam Stubbs on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old is the son of former Hibs and St Mirren manager Alan and describes himself as a "leader on the pitch".

"My old man has told me a lot about the Scottish game and how different it is," he said.

"He said a lot of people underestimate it and struggle. He just said 'you've got the opportunity, go and take it'."

Having joined Boro from the Wigan Athletic academy, Stubbs spent time on loan at Notts County last season, playing 17 games as the financially-stricken English League Two club were relegated.

Accies manager Brian Rice was assistant manager during Alan Stubbs' short-lived stint at St Mirren.

"Obviously, I know Alan with working with him," he said. 2He gave me his honest assessment of Sam and spoke as a football man and not just as a father.

"I like to think the connection I had with his dad helped a little bit getting the deal done but I'd also say that me going to see him play during the travels that I do also helped, as I could tell Sam I'd seen him here and seen him there.

"It's not just about making a call and asking about Sam. I've actually seen him play several times. Phoning Alan was just to reassure me about what I'd seen."

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