Jubilant chairman Ronnie McDonald says promoted champs Hamilton are no Gretna

Apr 20 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

ECSTATIC Hamilton chairman Ronnie McDonald watched Accies clinch promotion to the SPL - then took a swipe at relegated Gretna.

The New Douglas Park chief was over the moon as Billy Reid's young squad saw off Clyde 2-0 to clinch the First Division title with a game to spare.

Hamilton will replace crisis-hit Gretna in the top flight but McDonald insists it would be insulting to compare the clubs.

After skipper Alex Neil lifted the First Division trophy, McDonald said: "I'm not answering any questions about Gretna. It's an insult to compare Accies - with their history and tradition as a community team - to them.

"We are a well run club and I'm just delighted Hamilton have got their football club back."

McDonald will face a fight to hold on to top young stars such as James McCarthy and James McArthur.

But he insisted if they leave, they'll be replaced by more kids from Hamilton's successful youth programme. He also says he WON'T be handing gaffer Reid money for veteran pros chasing a contract as part of a final pay-day.

Ronnie said: "It's not about keeping these young players.

"We won't stand in their way if they want to go and we get the right offers.

"They will be replaced because this club is all about producing our own.

"We won't sign experienced replacements, we'll just take someone from our Under-17 team and throw them in.

"I will not be signing older players. I've had enough of that in the past - signing guys who see it as a final pay-day and who phone in saying: 'I can't make it in today gaffer, my ligament is sore'.

"This is a proud day for the club, considering we were in the Third Division at one stage and Division Two when I took over as chairman.

"I'm pleased for Billy too as we've been through a lot. He knows what he gets off me and I know what I get off him.

"I won't be able to say I've won more than him because he's got a medal now.

"Billy got emotional at the end - but that's just because he's a big wuss!"