Hamilton Accies part company with Academy chief who brought through Lewis Ferguson and James McCarthy

Hamilton Academical have parted company with legendary Academy Director George Cairns, who helped bring through the likes of Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson and Celtic midfielder James McCarthy as youngsters at New Douglas Park.

Cairns has been credited with kick-starting the careers of numerous players down the last two decades, with James McArthur, Greg Docherty and Eamonn Brophy also among those to have blossomed under his tutelage.

But Accies are now on the hunt for a new youth supremo after owner Seref Zengin confirmed Cairns is leaving the club, while praising the 55-year-old for his "significant contributions", "lasting legacy" and helping "shape the future" of the club.

Cairns' exit is the latest in a changing of the guard at New Douglas Park. This dpearture follows that of long-serving goalkeeping coach Brian Potter and some long-serving players, including Lewis Smith, Ryan Fulton and Jamie Hamilton.

A statement from Hamilton Accies owner Seref Zengin issued to Lanarkshire Live Sport read: "It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to our Academy Director, George Cairns who has dedicated many years of service to our club.

"As George departs, I fondly recognize his invaluable contribution to the development and success of our academy and the nurturing of our young talent.

"Under George’s guidance, our academy has flourished, producing talented players who have gone on to make significant contributions to our club and beyond. He has played an instrumental part in shaping the future of our club by instilling a culture of excellence, hard work, and dedication within our young players.

"As we navigate through a transitional change at the club and embark on a new era of footballing culture, we are grateful