It is a good job Christmas is not at the start of the football season or else there would be a number of similar letters heading to the North Pole from football clubs.

Like many other players, Hamilton Accies defender Mark McLaughlin would love to see his club's squad boosted by the arrival of a couple of new faces before the start of the season. However, McLaughlin recognises that the value keeping key players who did the business last season is even more important. James McCarthy was the subject of speculation throughout his debut season in the top flight, as was fellow youngsters James McArthur and Brian Easton who attracted interest from both sides of the border. All three played a major part in Hamilton surviving their first season back in the SPL and McLaughlin hopes they will be around to help consolidate their status. He said: "If we could get a couple of players in, it would be fantastic. With the Setanta thing, I don't know how that will work out. That will be down to Ronnie (MacDonald, chairman) and the gaffer. I think the main thing is that we don't lose any players. Over the coming weeks, we'll see if we can hold on to the two James and Brian Easton and hopefully we can get Tomas Cerny signed as well. Hopefully we can get that done."

Hamilton held their own in the SPL last term, finishing in ninth place, but McLaughlin admits life in the top flight was a bit disappointing. He said: "I've enjoyed it, it has been really good. There maybe wasn't as much football as I thought there would be. Survival was the main thing and to do that was great. I have enjoyed it but it's probably not what I thought it would have been to be honest." McLaughlin will start his season late due to suspension and will be available for selection for the game against Rangers at Ibrox. He said: "I'm extremely disappointed. Unfortunately I picked up too many yellow cards last year. But it's a good one to come back to, Rangers away. I'm disappointed to be missing the first two games."

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