St Mirren win race to sign Imrie from Hamilton

St MIRREN have confirmed they have agreed a fee with Hamilton for Dougie Imrie and the 28-year-old forward was due to have a medical with the Paisley club last night.

Saints are confident of agreeing personal terms with the player before today’s press conference to preview their Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Celtic.

A statement from the club read: “St Mirren Football Club have agreed terms with Hamilton Academical Football Club for the transfer of the registration of player Dougie Imrie.

“St Mirren Football Club expect the negotiations with the player to be concluded in time for our weekly press conference at 9am [today].”

Saints swooped after SPL rivals Dundee United ended their interest in Imrie when the Tannadice club had a £25,000 bid rejected by the Irn-Bru First Division side.

Peter Houston’s side – who had recently appeared firm favourites to sign Imrie – announced that they had pulled out of any possible deal and that they had no plans to submit a late improved offer for the player, who had also reportedly been interesting English League One side MK Dons.

A statement issued by Dundee United yesterday read: “Dundee United confirm they will not be pursuing the signature of Dougie Imrie.

“A bid of £25,000 was rejected by Hamilton and we now consider the matter closed.”

Chairman Stephen Thompson said: “We had made an offer which we thought was fair.

“Hamilton have chosen to reject the offer as they were perfectly entitled to do.

“We have now withdrawn the initial offer and will not be pursuing this transfer.”

Doubtless the club will now switch their attentions back to preparing for tomorrow’s home SPL fixture against Motherwell where they could take advantage of the Fir Park side’s recent dip in form.

Meanwhile, Hamilton Accies confirmed yesterday that they have turned to former Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper Andy Goram in a bid to solve their coaching crisis.

The 47-year-old has been putting Tomas Cerny and David Hutton through their paces at New Douglas Park and manager Billy Reid is delighted with the results.

“We lost our coach, Brian Potter, to Dunfermline last month and, with Tomas returning from injury, I needed to get someone else in.

“I knew that Andy was available and spoke to him and he’s been working with the boys for the last week. He’s good to have around the place because he’s a bubbly character and everyone know how good he is. It’s a situation which suits both of us.”