The return of the Lanarkshire derby – however a lot has changed since the last away clash against Accies, most notably the ground. Discover the best way to walk across Strathclyde Park.

Stadium & Club Information

Ground Name:	New Douglas Park	Nickname:	“The Accies”
Address:	Cadzow Avenue, Hamilton, ML3 0FT	Phone:	01698 368650
Capacity:	5,300	Fax:	01698 285422
Record Attendance:	5,078 (2008)	Ticket Office:	01698 368650
Pitch Size:	115x75 yards	Website:	www.acciesfc.co.uk

Recent History

After leaving Douglas Park in 1994 Accies spent the next seven years groundsharing at Firhill with Partick Thistle and at Cliftonhill with Albion Rovers.  They also played the odd game at Clyde’s Broadwood Stadium including a Scottish Cup replay against Motherwell.

Finally in 2001 Accies returned to their home town and New Douglas Park where two new stands were awaiting them, holding around 5300 fans in a set up similar to the Falkirk Stadium.

With Hamilton looking set for promotion they had to meet SPL ground requirements and found themselves a few hundred seats short.  To get around the rule Accies erected a temporary stand seating 600, again similar to the ones used by Falkirk, to satisfy SPL criteria.

Future Developments

With many of Accies First Division games in their Championship winning season attracting less than 2000 spectators the club have taken a prudent approach to further stadium expansion.  They have satisfied themselves that just over 6000 seats is currently sufficient and any thoughts of building any further permanent stands seems a way off yet.

Visitors Section

Motherwell have yet to meet Accies in a competitive fixture at New Douglas Park but have played there once in a pre-season friendly under the command of Terry Butcher.  ‘Well fans were housed in the Spice of Life (North) Stand behind the goals, filling the stand to its capacity.  It may be that Motherwell will also be allocated the temporary stand though this has as yet to be confirmed.

Disabled Fan Information

Wheelchairs: Accommodated in the front row of the stand or by the trackside

Helpers: Admitted following prior booking

Prices: Free for the disabled and one helper

Disabled Toilets: Available

Contact: 01698 368-650 (Bookings are necessary)

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Getting there by Car

Take the A723 Hamilton Road and on arriving in Hamilton take the 4th exit on to Barbeth Road.  Continue on through 2 roundabouts before taking the second exit on to Bothwell Road (B7071).  Turn left off Bothwell Road into Caird Street, right into New Park Street and then left into Auchinraith Avenue. Turn left at Rylands Road to reach the stadium.

AA Route Planner:

http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp

Parking

On street parking is available in the streets around the stadium.

Getting there by Rail

Fans travelling by train should travel to Hamilton West station and not Hamilton Central which is closer to the town centre, but further from the ground.  A pathway from the station runs to the ground.

First ScotRail Journey Planner:

http://www.firstgroup.com/scotrail/index.php

Getting there by Bus

Regular services en route to Glasgow leave every few minutes passing through Hamilton town centre.  

Traveline Scotland Journey Planner:

http://www.travelinescotland.com/cms/welcome.xhtml

MAGIC MOTHERWELL MOMENT

Since we’ve yet to meet competitively at New Douglas Park, we have to travel a bit further back to the days of Douglas Park to do some fond reminiscing.  During Hamilton’s last Premier League campaign in 1988’89, it had taken ‘Well until November to register their first win of the season.  With their near neighbours also struggling to wrack up points the New Year derby would go some way to set the tone for the last few months of the season.  Two goals for the visitors sent the bulk of the 5700 crowd home happy and gave ‘Well the impetus to push clear of their county rivals and ultimately finish 13 points clear of Accies.  

FORM GUIDE

Last five visits to Douglas Park/Broadwood:

26 February 1997   Hamilton 0 Motherwell 2 (SC4)
03 January 1989     Hamilton 0 Motherwell 2 (SPL)
27 August 1988      Hamilton 1 Motherwell 0 (SPL)
21 February 1987   Hamilton 1 Motherwell 2 (SC4)
01 January 1987     Hamilton 4 Motherwell 2 (SPL)