30-06-2025
Livingston snap up Hamilton Accies youngster Lewis Latona
The Lions - who have a number of ex-Accies on their staff - have managed to entice the midfielder to West Lothian
Livingston have agreed terms with former Hamilton Accies youngster Lewis Latona, Lanarkshire Live Sport understands.
The 18-year-old had been offered a contract with the Lanarkshire side but has opted to make the move to West Lothian and join the Premiership side, where he will link up with some former Accies players and staff.
Hamilton's former head of youth George Cairns has just been unveiled as the Lions' Academy head and ex-Accies boss Brian Rice had been assistant manager to David Martindlae there until this week, when he took on a new role as head of football operations. Marvin Bartley has come in as No.2 at Livi.
In the playing squad, Latona will be familiar with Lewis Smith and Andy Winter, who themselves came through the Accies academy and last season left Accies for the Lions after a long association.
Latona appeared as a trialist for Clyde in Saturday's 1-0 win over Queen's Park in the Glasgow Cup and it is understood Latona is likely to go out on loan this season.
Last season, Latona was at the centre of a three-way battle for his signature next season with Sheffield United and Belgian top-tier side Beerschot joining Hull City in pursuit of him. He eventually had a 10-day trial at Hull and trained with the Blades, but a move never materialised.
The midfielder, who has made just one senior appearance in his career, spent last term on loan at Lowland League outfit East Stirlingshire, where he made 20 appearances on his way to helping Shire finish ninth in the fifth tier.
