Hamilton given go-ahead for Broadwood move

Clyde left Broadwood after a dispute with North Lanarkshire Council

Hamilton Academical are set to play their home games at Broadwood Stadium for the next two seasons after being given the go ahead by the Scottish Professional Football League.

The proposed lease agreement between Accies and the Cumbernauld stadium's owners, North Lanarkshire Council, has been approved.

The council say they are in the final stages of agreeing a two-year arrangement and Hamilton stated there is an option for a third year "if necessary".

In a bizarre switch, Hamilton will move to Broadwood while Clyde, who occupied the venue until 2022, will continue to play their home matches at Hamilton's now former ground, New Douglas Park.

Accies were relegated after finishing bottom of the Championship following a 15-point penalty for failing to meet stadium requirements.

And the SPFL would have had another decision to make had the club been left without a home venue.

Hamilton took the decision to look for an alternative ground amid a row over stadium ownership and rental at New Douglas Park, the hometown stadium where they have been based for 24 years.

There was a noon Thursday deadline for the SPFL to raise concerns over the proposed agreement between Accies and the council-owned Broadwood Stadium Company.

However, that has now passed with no issues being raised, paving the way for Accies to play their leagues matches in Cumbernauld - 15 miles from their home town - after agreeing lease terms for the 2025-26 season.

The multi-use community stadium and sports complex in the town's Westfield area is also currently the home of Cumbernauld Colts, who play in the fifth tier Lowland League, and Rangers' Scottish Women's Premier League side.

The SPFL declined to comment when approached by BBC Scotland.

'Undeterred despite disadvantages'

In their statement, the board of Hamilton said: "Our long-term ambition remains to return to the Hamilton area at the earliest opportunity. Stronger, more stable, and better equipped to serve the club and its community.

"This relocation has not been undertaken lightly. As part of our agreement, the club was required to commit to paying a full year of rental, operational, and security costs up front, a significant financial obligation that has had immediate consequences for our liquidity.

"Compounding this challenge, since May we have been unable to sell season tickets, generate commercial income, or secure a shirt sponsor while awaiting formal confirmation of our league participation for the upcoming campaign. Despite these clear disadvantages, we remain undeterred."

Hamilton added they understood "the emotional impact this temporary move may have".

"This is not the end of our story, it is the beginning of a bold new chapter," they said.