Billy Hamilton

William Robert Hamilton (born 9 May 1957) is a former Northern Ireland international footballer who played as a forward.

Club career At club level, Hamilton played for Linfield, QPR, Burnley, Oxford United, Limerick, Sligo Rovers, Coleraine and Distillery.

Hamilton moved to the League of Ireland in January 1987, joining Limerick City as player-manager. At the time, the club were competing in the league's Premier Division. He also won the Munster Senior Cup with Limerick in 1988. Hamilton resigned his position as player-manager in September 1989. He played in every game and scored two goals in the second-round game against Austria, and also played at the 1986 World Cup. He also twice won the Home Internationals in 1980 and 1984, scoring the winner against Scotland in the 1980 competition. Northern Ireland never lost when Hamilton scored. In total, Hamilton played 41 games for his country, scoring five goals.

Management and coaching Knee injuries forced Hamilton to end his playing career in February 1992, but he continued to manage Distillery until February 1995. He guided the club to the Gold Cup victory in the 1993/94 season.

Personal life After retiring to Bangor, County Down, Hamilton opened a sports trophy business.

Hamilton designed a board game, Billy Hamilton's Football Academy, which was released in 1985. He is married to Isabella.

International goals

Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1 16 May 1980 Belfast, Northern Ireland 1–0 1–0 1980 Home Internationals 2 25 March 1981 Glasgow, Scotland 1–1 1–1 1982 FIFA World Cup qualification 3 1 July 1982 Madrid, Spain 1–0 2–2 1982 FIFA World Cup 4 1 July 1982 Madrid, Spain 2–2 2–2 1982 FIFA World Cup 5 21 September 1983 Belfast, Northern Ireland 1–0 3–1 UEFA Euro 1984 qualification