George Hamilton

George Hamilton (7 December 1917 – May 2001) was a Scottish international footballer, who spent most of his 21-year career with Aberdeen. He also played for Queen of the South, Heart of Midlothian and Hamilton Academical.

Starting his career at Irvine Meadow, Hamilton moved to Queen of the South, showcasing his ambidextrous skills and scoring nine goals in a single season, before joining Aberdeen in 1938. His playing career, disrupted by World War II, included time at Ayr United and Rangers, before returning to Aberdeen to achieve notable success including winning the Scottish Cup in 1947. Hamilton later played for Heart of Midlothian and returned to Aberdeen, contributing to their success until moving to Hamilton Academical, where he retired. Internationally, he represented Scotland, participating in the 1954 FIFA World Cup squad.

Playing career

Queen of the South

Born in Irvine, Hamilton started out with local junior side Irvine Meadow before moving to Dumfries to join Queen of the South. Hamilton was comfortable with the ball on either foot and had an obvious love of playing the game. After a single season with Queens (scoring nine goals in 31 league games) Aberdeen managed by Dave Halliday (another ex-Queen of the South player) purchased him for £3000 in April 1938. Hamilton's career was significantly disrupted by the Second World War and, when League football in Scotland went into abeyance in 1939, he returned to his native Ayrshire. Eventually, temporary Regional Leagues were established, and, due to war-time travel restrictions, players would guest for local sides. This resulted in Hamilton turning out for first Ayr United, then Rangers between 1940 and 1945.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Aberdeen Scottish Cup: 1947 Southern League Cup (Scotland): 1946