Hamilton hope their move to Broadwood Stadium for the next two years at least signals “a turning point” in their fortunes.
The embattled Lanarkshire club – relegated from the Scottish Premiership in 2021 – have been mired in financial and ownership difficulties, and were demoted from the Championship last month after incurring a 15-point deduction for breaching multiple Scottish Professional Football League rules.
Amid the turbulence, Accies opted to leave New Douglas Park – their home since 2001 – due to a dispute over stadium ownership.
Their request to play their home games at Broadwood in Cumbernauld was passed by the SPFL on Thursday, with a two-year lease – and the option of a third year if necessary – agreed with North Lanarkshire Council.
Hamilton stated that their “long-term ambition remains to return to the Hamilton area at the earliest opportunity” once they are “stronger, more stable, and better equipped to serve the club and its community”.
“This relocation has not been undertaken lightly,” read a statement confirming the move. “As part of our agreement, the club was required to commit to paying a full year of rental, operational, and security costs upfront, 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. This move marks a turning point. A rebirth for Hamilton Academical Football Club. Our time away will be used strategically: to rebuild the club’s financial strength, establish proper governance, and put in place a modern, accountable Board of Directors that will uphold the highest standards of compliance, professionalism, and ambition.
“We are committed to becoming a club of integrity, purpose, and innovation.
“We understand the emotional impact this temporary move may have. We apologise to our loyal supporters for the inconvenience, but we promise this: we will fight for our future, and when we return to Hamilton, it will be with a club that is revitalised and stronger in every sense.
“This is not the end of our story, it is the beginning of a bold new chapter.”
Accies previously played outside of Hamilton – at Firhill and Cliftonhill – for seven years after selling former ground Douglas Park to a supermarket in 1994.
