Craig launches new book on Accies’ history

Jul 30 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON fans crowded the Advertiser’s foyer last Friday as former Scotland manager Craig Brown officially launched a new history on the New Douglas Park club.

An Illustrated History of Hamilton Academical Football Club by Jim Watson and Alan Dick, charts the history of the club from its inception in 1874 to the 2007-08 season.

The book contains full season-by-season records of every competitive match, with the history of the ground, and profiles of the top 100 players and managers.

Former director Jim Watson and ex-secretary Alan Dick have painstakingly researched the club’s history to produce the 526-page book.

Having been associated with the club for many years, Craig Brown OBE was delighted to sign copies for eager supporters.

He said: “The book is outstanding. I’ve only been able to have a cursory glance at it but it looks absolutely superb.

“Such a resource is invaluable. I looked back in the book over the managers that I remember – starting with Jackie Cox – and it brought back so many memories of guys like Davie McParland, who is one of my heroes, and John Lambie.

“I played with John at Falkirk and I’ve respected him as a manager and a coach ever since, so it was a delight to come back into Hamilton and meet the guys.”

Craig added: “Being brought up in Hamilton, I’ve been an Accies fan probably longer than most. My father had this insistence that you supported your local team, and it wasn’t difficult to support Hamilton in those days.

“The first manager I recall was Jackie Cox, and I loved to stand and just listen to Jackie. I cleaned the boots at that time, and since then I’ve always had a soft spot for Hamilton Accies.

“I’ve been associated with Hamilton Accies through various routes over the years but mainly through the coaching scene and my involvement with the SFA.

“I’ve always loved Hamilton and I lived here until 1970 when I went down to live in Ayr because I got a job there. Therefore for the first 25 years or so of my life I was a Hamilton guy.

“I went to school here, played golf here, played football here at the old Palace Grounds, and loved watching Hamilton Accies.”

Co-author Alan Dick, who is now an SPL delegate, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in it and I think the statistics section, in particular, is going to be invaluable for people who cover Hamilton Accies matches, journalists and fans alike, so it’s wonderful.

“Jim has a reputation, and there are one or two people who didn’t like his stewardship of the club, but these things have got to be put to the background now and to create this book has been a wonderful achievement on his part.

“I’m delighted to be involved in anything I can do to help the club that is still very dear to my heart.”

Former manager John Lambie said: “I’m delighted for the club and everybody concerned with it. There aren’t too many books about Hamilton Accies.

“I took over in 1984 and enjoyed every minute of it. I took Hamilton into the top flight twice but they were straight back down.

“I’m delighted to see Hamilton doing well just now. I had a lot of good times there.”

Copies of the book are available from the Advertiser offices and book outlets, priced at £19.99.

What’s your view on the book? Email us at: hamiltonadvertiser@s-un.co.uk or write to: Hamilton Advertiser editorial, Press Buildings, Campbell Street, Hamilton, ML3 6AX.