Hamilton Accies fans have reacted angrily to the club’s decision to allow skipper Scott Martin to join their Championship rivals Partick Thistle on deadline day.
The South Lanarkshire side said farewell to the midfielder yesterday, ending a seven-year spell at New Douglas Park in which he led them to promotion to the Championship last season and lifted the SPFL Trust Trophy in 2023.
Martin’s move to Maryhill also involved midfielder Scott Robinson heading in the opposite direction and he has now signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Accies. Martin only had six months remaining on his deal and is understood to have left for a small fee.
But Accies fans are fuming with the board, director of football Gerry Strain and boss John Rankin for sanctioning the move with the club sitting in the relegation play-off spot in the Championship. Their frustration also comes after fan protests at full-time of Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Ayr United aimed at the directors box and boss Rankin.
And now scores of angry messages were posted in reply to Hamilton’s social media post confirming Martin’s exit.
User @Macca1972 posted: “Awful decision and outrageous timing. Fully expect Airdrie to beat us next week and further disintegration, led by a coach and assistant who have been extremely well backed but deliver nothing.”
Gary Whitton commented: @What’s going on with this club? Absolute shambles.. Best of luck Scotty, been outstanding for us.”
Graham Singer said: “All the best Scott Martin. Brilliant servant to the club, this is an absolutely disgraceful decision. There is no way they are going to be able to replace him and we need to try and get out this position in the league. Really worrying times for the club.”
Jack McEwan posted: “Absolute joke of of club forcing out our best player while in a relegation battle. Sack the board.”
Grant Bett commented: “Seems inconceivable a Club can sell their captain. Now staring at relegation again. Potentially have strongest squad we’ve had since in Premeirship, but inept manager has awful tactics and no idea how to a tune out of the players. Huge thanks to Scotty for his loyalty to club.”
Ian Kelly stated: “Questions need asked of the manager and the board as this club is heading downhill fast.”
Meanwhile, user @craigrankin18 praised Martin for his loyalty down the years. He said: “The guy could’ve left us when we were relegated to League 1 but showed loyalty and desire to bring the club back. A true leader and a guy that will be fondly remembered during a tough period.”
And @Accies1981 said: “Scott you have been a credit to the club, absolutely gutted to see you go. Before my own own kid’s games I always say 2 words to him… ”Scott Martin”, which means desire, commitment, drive, energy which you always exemplified in an Accies shirt. All the best for the future.”