HAMILTON have opened talks with Partick Thistle with a view to making Firhill their base next season.

Homeless Accies have been tenants at Albion Rovers' Cliftonhill ground recently, but problems with the Coatbridge venue have strained relations between the clubs.

The incidents when Accies were forced to postpone matches due to the unfit state of the ground disrupted their season - and the club have targeted Firhill as a possible alternative.

Accies secretary Scott Struthers said that Thistle are one of four clubs with whom Accies have been in discussion. ''I've spoken to four clubs and expect to conclude a deal in the near future,'' he said. Thistle's Robert Reid confirmed: ''Negotiations have begun but nothing is decided.''