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Full Name: David Hamilton
aka: Davie Hamilton, Hammie, 'The Dancer'
Born: 31 Jan 1882
Died: 25 Jan 1950
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 25 Apr 1902
Left: 6 Dec 1912 (to Dundee)
Position: Outside-left
Debut: Celtic 3-1 Hearts, Charity Cup, 19 May 1902
Internationals: Scotland / Scottish League
International Caps: 0 / 1
International Goals: 0 / 0

Biog

Celtic has been blessed throughout its history by the pressence of some great entertainers. But few have managed to enthrall both on and off the pitch quite like the great Davie Hamilton.

A Scottish junior internationalist Hamilton was signed by Celtic in April 1902 from Cambuslang Hibernian. He had impressed during trials for the Bhoys and the outside-left underlined his ability when he made a scoring debut on May 19th as Celtic defeated Hearts 3-1 in a Charity Cup tie at Parkhead.

He also played in the British League Cup Final victory over Rangers on 17 June 1902.

Having quickly established his credentials as a supreme wideman, Hamilton.became a regular starter the following season. His weaving runs and electrifying pace made him a real menace to opposition defences. Few if any contempoaries could rival Davie for pure speed. Tricky and nimble, his quick footwork was captivating and he was aptly christened 'The Dancer' due to his dazzling dribbling.

Hamilton was also among the first major Hunskelpers in Celtic history. He scored seven goals in 15 league matches against Rangers, and added another in the Scottish Cup for good measure.

Like many widemen Davie was not always the most consistant of performers but his magic was produced reguarly enough to enchant a support who were begining to revel in the pressence of arguably the most devastating and exciting frontlines ever seen in Scottish football. In one of the greatest attacking line-ups in Celtic history Hamilton took his place alongside fellow greats Alec Bennett, Jimmy McMenemy, Jimmy Quinn and Peter Somers.

It was said at the time that for the average Celtic fan blessed to have seen Willie Maley's incredible team in action this line-up "rolled off his tongue trippingly and lovingly, a litany that made music for him in five sweet symphonies - Bennett, McMenemy, Quinn, Somers and Hamilton."

Even among such illustrious company Hamilton was a key player in the Celtic side than claimed six league title in a row and he won the Scottish Cup in 1904, 1907, 1908 and 1911.

A colourful character off the field Davie would frequently entertain the team and officals with his fine singing voice and quick wit. No shrinking violet, Hamilton never hesitated to voice his opinion and opponents and referees would feel the edge of his sharp tongue. Indeed in October 1907 Hamilton would receive a two month suspension for threatening language after he told referee JB Stark exactly what he thought of him and his decisions by remarking: "I wish I had a revolver!".

A huge personality and a huge talent Davie Hamilton played 262 times for Celtic and netted some 60 goals.

It wasn't an easy life for Davie. he had to bring up his five children on his own after the death of his wife Mary Anne (nee Gilroy) at the young age of 33 on 5th Aug 1915 from consumption when Davie was only 32. We can only imagine the difficulties this was to bring as it began during wartime.

He would eventually depart Parkhead in December 1912 for Dundee and would also play briefly with Bathgate before retiring in 1914.

Astonishingly, Davie Hamilton was never capped by Scotland. "Hammie" won his only representative honour when he appeared for the Scottish League against the Irish League at Grovenor Park on 28 February 1903.

Davie died in January 1950, aged 68 in Glasgow.

Quotes & Anecdotes

"I cannot forget little Hamilton, a forward of arts and parts, whose nimble trickeries along the touch have been so profitable to the team."
From The Celtic Story, 1960.

"The Bennet, McMenemy, Quinn, Somers and Hamilton front line was a treat to watch in their sinuous movement and deadly attacks."
Willie Maley on the 6-in-a-row team

Anecdote
One story is from Alec Maley of a Celtic player (believed to be Davie Hamilton) being smacked in the face before a Scottish Cup final by Jimmy Quinn as an antidote for nerves! Which final he did not say.

"The Sarsfield Brake Club had a banner of my great great granda Davie Hamilton on their club flag. They stole it from an Orange walk and painted him over it!"
Sean Hamilton (GG Grandson of Davie Hamilton) on a Davie Hamilton Brake Club banner (see Brake Club) (we don't believe this banner is now still around) (it's pictured below)

Playing Career

	LEAGUE		SCOTTISH CUP		GLASGOW CUP		CHARITY CUP		OTHER*		TOTALS
	APPS	GLS	APPS	GLS	APPS	GLS	APPS	GLS	APPS	GLS	APPS	GLS
01-02	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	1	1	0	4	1
02-03	17	2	0	0	3	0	0	0	4	0	24	2
03-04	13	6	5	1	0	0	2	1	2	0	22	8
04-05	24	7	4	0	3	0	2	1	0	0	33	8
05-06	26	6	3	0	3	2	1	0	0	0	33	8
06-07	23	7	7	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	33	9
07-08	21	10	5	2	2	0	3	1	0	0	31	13
08-09	31	9	7	2	7	1	2	0	0	0	47	12
09-10	33	4	3	0	3	0	1	0	0	0	40	4
10-11	22	0	6	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	31	0
11-12	12	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	12	2
TOTALS	222	53	40	7	27	3	14	4	7	0	310	67
OTHER*	Inter City League

A 15CT GOLD AND ENAMEL 1907-08 SCOTTISH CUP WINNERS MEDAL - DAVID HAMILTON

the obverse inscribed Scottish Football Association, the reverse inscribed Challenge Cup, Won By Celtic F.C., 1907-8, David Hamilton

In the above cup final played on 18th April 1908 at Hampden Park, Celtic defeated St Mirren 5-1 with Hamilton scoring one goal.

Honours with Celtic

Scottish League Titles

• 1904-05, 1905-06, 1906-07, 1907-08, 1908-09,
• 1909-10

Scottish Cup

• 1904, 1907, 1908, 1911

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• Grave & Memorial
• Remembrance Event (2011)