Hamilton Accies fan view: Transfer frustration as failure to land much-needed striker and midfielder 'cause for concern'

The dust has finally settled from the January transfer window - and it’s another one where Hamilton have fallen short again after failing to strengthen in some key positions.

Daniel O’Reilly, Steve Lawson, Kai Kennedy, and Ellis Brown have all arrived at New Douglas Park and although these are relatively good signings for Accies, it’s not the much-needed centre-midfielder or centre-forward that everyone’s been crying out for.

In terms of outgoings, Ben Stirling has departed on loan to League Two side Edinburgh City, while Luke Matheson joined Scunthorpe United after being recalled by Wolverhampton.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ayr United was further evidence that a new clinical striker was needed to support a squad that currently contains Andy Ryan and David Moyo, on eight and five goals respectively this season.

Accies should’ve been out of sight at half-time and were left to rue those guilt-edge chances as Sam Ashford came off the bench to snatch a point for the visitors.

Ronan Hughes simply hasn’t cut it in midfield this season, while Miko Virtanen has yet to prove he’s the “gem” that Dick Campbell said he was when he joined the club from Aberdeen. Lewis Spence and Josh Mullin remain on the side-lines, leaving the midfield with next to no experience.

Kerr McInroy was tremendous for Airdrieonians in League One while on loan from Celtic for the first half of the season and would’ve been a welcome addition – but deadline day became even more frustrating for Accies fans as he joined relegation rivals Ayr United for the rest of the season.

Another frustration comes in the form of Euan Henderson. He would’ve been a fantastic option up front if we had managed to get him in on loan from Hearts, and you feel Accies would have