Hamilton Academical Football Club are on the verge of new ownership with current custodian Colin McGowan set to sell his stake in the club.
Accies, who were relegated from the Scottish Championship on Saturday after a play-off final defeat to Lanarkshire rivals Airdrieonians, have interest from two companies who have shown a genuine desire to purchase the complete shareholdings of Edencrest Limited - the property company owned by Mr McGowan - that would allow them to take control of the club.
The 68-year-old, who is also the club's current commercial director, will resign from the board once any sale is completed. One of the bids is understood to be led by a current Accies director.
Lanarkshire Live Sport understands the club are looking to have a deal tied up by June 14, so the new owner(s) are on board before the club's pre-season preparations begin for the 2023/24 campaign in League One.
Any takeover would not include Hamilton Academical Stadium Limited, meaning New Douglas Park will remain under Edencrest's control.
Last week, Mr McGowan said in a club statement that his Edencrest company would "offer a 50-year lease to any new owners of the club" to ensure New Douglas Park remains the club's home for the foreseeable future.
Speaking exclusively to Lanarkshire Live Sport , Mr McGowan said: "Both potential purchasers have started their due diligence process and both understand speed is essential for a deal to be completed to allow new owners to get settled in for pre-season.
"I'm delighted there is real interest in the club because I have been trying for over a year to get to this situation.
"I will make myself available to make sure this transfer is done as smoothly as possible and there is plenty of time for Hamilton Accies to get a good run at pre-season preparations."
He added: "Through my 20 years at the club, I have ended up a Hamilton Accies supporter, which I never set out to do, but I am excited for its future.
"I don't see any change at all to the social conscience of the club, which will keep being delivered by the Hamilton community."
In November 2021, previous owner Ronnie McDonald - who bought the club for £1 in June 2003 with debts of £5.3m - ended his 18-year stint in control when he handed the reins to McGowan, who was then the club’s chief executive.
Any potential new owners will be tasked with trying to haul the club out of the third tier of the SPFL, as Accies fans hope to see their team back in the Scottish Premiership in the future.
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