Hamilton Academical to Return to New Douglas Park Next Season

Hamilton Academical have announced their intention to return to New Douglas Park for the start of the next season, ending their temporary residency at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.

The Scottish League 1 club has signed a two-year deal with the owners of the venue, which is also known as The Hamilton Community Stadium, with an option to extend the agreement. The return is subject to approval from the SPFL.

Hamilton Academical moved to Broadwood Stadium in June 2025 after a dispute over the lease at New Douglas Park under previous ownership. The club signed a two-year lease with North Lanarkshire Council to play at Broadwood and paid £80,000 upfront for the first year of that contract.

Ownership Transition and Community Focus

The announcement follows a change in leadership in January 2026, when Rob Edwards and the Morley Sports Management Group purchased the club from Seref Zengin. This takeover occurred after a turbulent 18-month period during which the previous regime was deemed not fit and proper by the SFA.

Under the previous ownership, the club faced significant instability, including a downward spiral that led to relegation from the Championship. Players threatened to go on strike earlier in the season due to unpaid wages as the club fought to avoid insolvency.

The new owners stated that the move back to Hamilton is intended to reignite its presence in the local community. The relocation is particularly significant for the fanbase, as some supporters had boycotted matches at Broadwood Stadium, which is located 15 miles away from Hamilton.

For our supporters, this return is about coming home. We know how much this ground means to you and we are committed to making it a place where memories are made for years to come.

Hamilton Academical statement

Disciplinary and League Standing

The club currently sits second bottom of League 1. Their league position has been severely impacted by a 21-point deduction resulting from a series of rule breaches.

These breaches included:

• Failing to pay players on time
• Failing to achieve a Scottish FA bronze license
• Paying trialists and fielding amateur players while under a transfer embargo

Stadium Assets and Financial Security

While Hamilton Academical does not own New Douglas Park—which is owned by Hamilton Community Stadium Limited—the club does own the artificial playing surface at the venue. The surface is valued between £200,000 and £300,000.

This asset became a critical financial tool in November 2025, when the club used the playing surface and its intellectual property as collateral for a £115,000 loan from Funding Globe to pay player wages.

The playing surface is a key asset that could potentially be sold to pay creditors if the club were to enter administration. The venue is also currently used by SPFL League Two side Clyde, as well as Hamilton Accies Women and Celtic Women in SWPL1.