SPFL League One side fail in audacious bid to sign ex Celtic striker – but land Rangers star on permanent deal

SPFL League One side fail in audacious bid to sign ex Celtic striker – but land Rangers star on permanent deal

In an ambitious attempt to capture former Celtic striker Gary Hooper,

Scottish League One promotion candidate Hamilton Accies has failed.

After competing in the Scottish Masters competition earlier this season,

the 35-year-old English marksman,

who had won four trophies over a three-year stint,

admired that he would consider returning to Scotland if the proper opportunity arose.

Accies was eager to bolster their offensive options this month in an attempt to stay ahead of league leaders Falkirk in what is quickly turning into a two-horse battle for the championship.

Glasgow World knows that an audacious attempt to get Hooper north of the border has fallen through.

After spending almost £2.5 million to sign Hooper from Scunthorpe United in 2010,

Hooper won two league titles and two Scottish Cups with the Hoops.

He later had stints with Sheffield United and Norwich City.

After stops in Australia with Wellington Phoenix and Kerala Blasters in India,

journeyman Hooper would eventually reunite with Lennon in Cyprus at Omonia Nicosia in 2022.

However, after departing Dubai-based Gulf United earlier this year,

Hooper was looking for a new club in the summer.

After choosing to rejoin English non-league Barnet in October,

he has made ten appearances this season and scored two goals.

Additionally, following discussions with club officials,

Hamilton’s director of football Gerry Strain has announced that the forward will not be travelling to South Lanarkshire this month.

“We made an inquiry about Gary last month after becoming aware he could be about to be available,

but it’s not going to work out,” Strain said to Lanarkshire Live Sport.

I discussed the prospect with Gary through my connection with Neil Lennon,

and he was extremely honest with us.

Although Gary won’t be joining Hamilton,

we are hoping that some new acquisitions will be announced soon.

It is unfortunate that he is one of the players we have looked into in recent weeks.

To help us strengthen the team,

the club has been speaking with several prominent figures in the sport while we put in a lot of effort.”

But after his release from Ibrox on Thursday,

Accies acted swiftly to sign midfielder Ben Williamson of the Rangers on an 18-month deal.

Having previously had loan stints at Arbroath, Livingston, Raith Rovers, and Dundee,

the 22-year-old, a product of the Gers junior system,

spent the first half of the season at Championship club Partick Thistle.

He provides invaluable experience to John Rankin’s team.

The following was stated in a Light Blues statement:

“Rangers can confirm Ben Williamson’s permanent transfer to Hamilton Academical.

Ben has the greatest wishes for his future career from everyone at Rangers.”

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