John Rankin to fight on with Hamilton Accies as boss determined to see job through despite transfer ban

The Lanarkshire club can’t sign a player this season after breaching league rules around failing to settle their tax obligations

John Rankin will fight on as Hamilton Accies boss - despite the club being hit with an SPFL transfer ban.

The Lanarkshire club can’t sign a player this season after breaching league rules around failing to settle their tax obligations.

That followed a 15-point deduction last season which effectively relegated them from the Scottish Championship.

And Accies have been forced to play their League One fixtures at Broadwood this term after a row over ownership of their Hamilton ground.

That has led to uncertainty over Rankin’s future as gaffer but Record Sport understands that - despite interest in him from elsewhere in the SPFL - he’s vowed to stay on.

The 42-year-old is determined to see the job through and get Accies back to the Championship at the first attempt.

The transfer embargo is a huge blow to Rankin, who only has 15 senior players on his books.

But the highly-rated young coach wants to blood more Hamilton kids in their bid to defy the odds and get promoted.

Given the turmoil at the club and the obstacles put in their way, Rankin believes the squad needs stability - and is committed to staying on as manager.

Hamilton begin their League One campaign at home to Montrose on Saturday.