Showing all 3 results
Hamilton Academical FC and based in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire. They are also known as Hamilton Accies, or simply just The Accies. They originate from the Hamilton Academy school football team and were formed in 1874. They hold the claim to fame of being the only professional football club in Britain to derive from a school football team.
Hamilton were formed by the pupils and rector of the Academy and became members of the SFA. Hamilton started their playing days contesting the Scottish Cup and Qualifying Cup. It was only the resignation of Renton from the Scottish Football League that allowed them entry into the League system.
The club suffered financial difficulties in the 1970s and resigned from the Scottish league due to increasing debts. Hamilton had to sell their home ground to Sainsbury’s in 1994 to generate funds. During this time they experienced further financial issues and were docked points taking them to the Scottish Third Division. Hamilton slowly got back on track and moved into its new stadium New Douglas Park in 2001.
They gained promotion to the Scottish Premier League for the first time in 20 years in 2008. They remained in the SPL until 2011 and were renowned that season for developing youth players, some of whom went onto to play in English Premier League. They returned to the SPL in 2014 when they defeated Falkirk on penalties in the Premiership play-off.
