In a surprising turn of events, Hamilton Accies Women have been instructed by the Hamilton Academical men's team to change their name and rebrand the club. This directive comes just weeks after the women's team secured their promotion to the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL).

The Directive

A letter from the Hamilton Academical's board of directors to the women's club stated that they must cease using the intellectual property of the men's club. This includes the club's name and badge, which have been integral to the women's team's identity for over a decade.

Stadium Dispute

The men's team, recently relegated to Scottish League 1, is in the process of relocating to Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, 15 miles away from their current home at New Douglas Park. This move follows a dispute with the stadium owner. In contrast, the women's team has confirmed their intent to remain at New Douglas Park, a venue that has long been a home for women's football in Hamilton.

Club Statements

In a social media post, Accies Women expressed their disappointment:

"We are surprised and disappointed to see an attempt being made to ban Hamilton Accies Women from using the club badge - something that has been part of our identity for over a decade."

The women's team also highlighted their long-standing agreement with the previous owners of Hamilton Academical FC, which allowed them to use the club name and badge in perpetuity. This agreement underscores their commitment to representing Hamilton with pride and ambition.

Future Plans

As a result of this rebranding directive, Hamilton Academical FC has announced plans to form a new women's side and academy set-up. Meanwhile, the current women's team is preparing for an exciting season ahead, continuing to invest in and represent their community at New Douglas Park.

Related Topics

• Hamilton Academical
• Scottish Championship
• Scottish Women's Football
• Scottish League One