Hamilton Accies announce Ronnie MacDonald's return to club board ahead of "hugely challenging rebuild"

Hamilton Accies have announced Ronnie MacDonald has returned to the club amid a number of boardroom changes, which sees him replace Colin McGowan as chief executive.

The former owner of the club ended an 18-year spell at the helm of the New Douglas Park club last year when he handed over his shares to McGowan.

But just 10 months later he is back at Accies to oversee all club matters going forward, with McGowan stepping back from football operations to focus on running the club's commercial department.

Allan Maitland will continue as club chairman, while George Cairns will continue to head up the club's renowned youth academy.

It comes after the club held an Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday to drawn up a plan aimed at bringing major investment into the club.

In a statement to supporters, MacDonald - who has also previously been Accies' chairman - says he aims to stabilise the club amid the "hugely disruptive and financially draining" impact of Covid over the last two years.

But he warned that the rebuild will be "hugely challenging" for a club desperate to return to the top flight of Scottish football, having been relegated to the Championship in May 2021.

"I have been appointed the Club Chief Executive Officer in place of Colin McGowan and will be overseeing all Club matters.

"The new Club structure will comprise three independent components:

"Our aim is to stabilise the club and ensure our recovery from the effects of Covid and the many difficulties it caused.

"The last thirty months have been hugely disruptive and financially draining. The rebuild required will be hugely challenging.

"The long term future of the club must be guaranteed and will only be achieved if everyone comes together and supports the