Hamilton Accies are targeting more than promotion back to the Championship, says star

Hamilton defender Dylan McGowan says he’s back to help the club earn promotion back to the Championship – and they won’t stop there.

McGowan says ambition shown by the club’s new owners was a key factor in his decision to return on a two-year deal, and hopes they are at least competing in the second tier next term.

The 32-year-old is delighted to have been put straight back into the team for Saturday’s 3-1 SPFL Trust Trophy win over Coleraine, but says he expects a tough test again when Alloa visit on Saturday.

He said: “Anyone who has signed for the club knows that has to be the aim this season, to go straight back up and then compete in the Championship.

“The club has aspirations higher than just getting promoted this season which is what you want to hear from the people above – as a player, anyone in the squad, and I would imagine the coaching staff are the same.

“For us, it’s a case of everyone pulling in the right direction, and I think promotion is definitely achievable. It’s the main aim for the squad.

“It’s almost an entirely different squad, and that often happens when you either get promoted or relegated, there generally is a big turnover.

“It’s good to have some fresh faces in the team, some young, hungry players, and some boys with a point to prove, I think, as well.

“The ones that stayed want to help the club get back to where they belong.

“The new boys have either played at League One level and done extremely well, or played higher, so we’ve got a strong squad now, and the gaffer has plenty to choose from.

“I think things are looking up at the moment, you can see that with the way the summer has gone, and there’s a bit more of a feel-good factor about the club than there has been in recent years.”

McGowan