A Brief History of Hamilton Academical Football Club

by Peter McLeish

The Club was founded by the rector of Hamilton Academy, James Blacklock sometime in 1874, as yet, the actual date has not been established.

The first record of a football team in Hamilton was when Hamilton Thistle Cricket and Football Club was formed in 1862. It was to be another thirteen years before a football match was recorded, on 27th November 1875 when a Captains side met the Vice Captains selection. In 1897 a 13 man committee was elected. The Football Captain was G. Watson while R. Smellie was named as Secretary. The SFA Handbook for 1897-80 gives Robert Smellie, Ramage Buildings as Match Secretary of Hamilton Academicals.

Football was played in the town in 1869 by a team called Hamilton Gymnasium who met Queen’s Park on 29th May of that year in Hamilton, at the Recreation Grounds and lost 4-0. Seven months later the two sides met again in a return match and the Glasgow club were again successful, this time by 2-0. A year later they met on another two occasions with Queen’s Park again being the victors. The last mention to found of the Gymnasium club was in April 1872.

Prior to James Blacklock’s vision yet another club were playing in the burgh, Hamilton Football Club. Scottish Cup records show that Hamilton were drawn away against a club calling themselves, Rovers and the local side withdrew from the competition. This was in season 1874-75. The following season Hamilton again entered and this time received a home tie against Airdrie, not the current club, and they went on to the next round after winning 1-0. On November 13th 1875 they lost 3-0 away to Levern, probably a Glasgow eleven. The next year’s games saw both Hamilton FC and Hamilton Academicals participate, the former getting as far as the fourth round only to lose to Lancefield by 2-0.

There has been speculation the players and officials of Hamilton FC joined the new club sometime in 1874 as a few of the names under the old club reappear when the Academicals come on the scene.

The following information gives a picture of the history of the club as it has progressed through the past one hundred and twenty eight years, thus being one of Scotland’s oldest clubs. It should be noted that the club name was originally Hamilton Academical and as time wore on it changed to Academicals and therefore they were known as the Acas. In recent years the “s” has been dropped and also Acas has become Accies. Hence the reason for the differences in the text.

12th December 1874
The first recorded game played by the club when a match was arranged against the Second XI of Hamilton FC. John Kerr scored the goal in a 2-1 defeat.

16th January 1875.
Match played against 23rd Renfrewshire Rifle Volunteers at South Avenue.

24th February 1875
The AGM of Hamilton Academical Cricket and Football Club was held.

President; William J. Halley
Vice President: Robert Wilson
Captain: John Kerr
Vice Captain: Robert Millar
Joint Secretaries: Alex McIntosh and W. R. Patrick
Treasurer: Alex Cromar
Five Directors were also appointed.

17th April 1875
Met Hamilton F. C. again, this time at home in a 0-0 draw.

11th September 1875
2nd XI beat St Andrews (Glasgow) 2nd XI 1-0 at Clydesdale Street.

25th September 1875
In a game against Carrington away no goals were scored by either side. Accies were represented by R. Wilson; J. Torrance; K. Sage; C. Mackie; G. Smith; J. McLay; W. McGhie; A. Cassels; J. Lightbody and A. Ross. Therefore they were a man short.

18th November 1875.
The first XI met Third Lanark at Cathkin Park while the Second XI had Third Lanark Reserves as their opponents at South Haugh with a 4pm kick-off.

18th December 1875.
The first XI met Thistle at home and won 6-0. The side was; Brown; A. Cassels and K. Sage; W. Torrance and C. Mackie; A. Ross; J. McLay; M. Mitchell; J. Lightbody (capt); D. Ferguson and A. McIntosh.

The scorers were; McLay 2, Ferguson 2, Mitchell and Lightbody. This was the visitors first ever fixture. Four days later the reserve sides met also at Hamilton in a 2-2 game. J. Wilson scored both home goals.

22nd January 1876.
Drew 0-0 with Parkgrove at Kinning Park.

19th February 1876.
Lost 3-0 to Blantyre Thornhill at home while the 2nd XI won 5-1 away to 1st Victoria, the goals coming from J. Wilson, Brand 3, and Murray.

26th February 1876.
The reserve side met 1st St Johnstone at home. No note of outcome of match.

March 1876
AGM.
David N. Cross, 32, Brandon Street, Hamilton was appointed as Secretary.

9th September 1876.
The Hamilton Advertiser reported that the club had been admitted to the Scottish Football Association.

14th October1876.
Lost by 3-0 to Barrhead in first ever Scottish Cup tie.
Played at Bent Farm. Some reports gave the score as 4-0.

21st October 1876
Won away against Thornhill by 4-0. They were from Blantyre.

28th October 1876
Defeated Shotts 3-0. No further details.

11th November 1876.
Won 7-0 versus Hamilton Thistle at South Avenue. Admission 3d (just over 1p). Ladies free.

Club Secretary is J. T. Torrance.

18th November 1876
Drew with Busby in the Scottish Cup. 0-0, Accies team was; W. Tait; J. Cassels and A. Gordon; T. Torrance; Laidlaw and T. Cassels; J. B. McIntosh; P. Bryson; John L. Kerr; A. H. Hinds and R. Bell.

14th April 1877.
Met Queen's Park at South Avenue and lost 3-0.
R. Parlane; J. Cassels and J. Gordon; T. Torrance and A. Laidlaw; T. Cassels; A. H. Hinds; J. Kerr; J. B. McIntosh; R. Miller and J. McLay.

21st April 1877.
A match took place against Stonelaw of Rutherglen for the benefit of The West of Scotland Home for the Incurables.

25th April 1877
GENERAL MEETING OF HAMILTON ACADEMICAL FOOTBALL CLUB
President: W. J. Halley; Vice President: Rodger Allan; Captain: Alex Brown; Vice Captain; David Blaney; Minute Secretary: John Halley; Secy/Treas; Gavin Frame; Directors; Andrew Mitchell, James Lightbody, Thomas Miller, John Miller, George Smith and William McGhee. Patron: James Blacklock.

The word "Cricket" was dropped from the club's title.

October 1877.
Defeated Hamilton Thistle 7-0 at the opening of their new ground in Tuphall Road.

6th March 1878
A.G.M.. John Miller, Secretary.

23rd November 1878
A visit was made to Edinburgh to meet Heart of Midlothian, "the crack team of the east" Acas won 2-1.

August 1879
Acas drew 2-2 with Heart of Midlothian at South Avenue.

September 1879
In the return game played at Powderhall it ended 1-1.

17th November 1879
At a meeting held in Coatbridge, the Lanarkshire Football Association was formed. 16 clubs were represented.

Votes were taken and this resulted as follows; Clarkston 26, Drumpellier 25, Stonelaw 21, Acas 21, Shotts 14, Glengowan 12 and Cambuslang 12. J.N.Stewart of Drumpellier was appointed as Interim Secretary.

The other clubs present were: Lindon, Upper Clydesdale, Clydebank, Airdrie, Plains Bluebell, Bellshill, Shettleston, Daisy (Bellshill) and Airdrie Excelsior.

27th December 1879
Accies played their first ever Lanarkshire Cup tie against Glassford at South Avenue. There was no report of the outcome in any of the local papers, however, a month later Stonelaw were visitors in the next round.

May 1880
The Final of the Lanarkshire Cup Final was played. Some reports quote the Final between Stonelaw and Shotts with the former victorious by 2-0. The Hamilton Advertiser, however, carries a note of the Final between Stonelaw and Accies, played at South Avenue.

No further information other than the following,
"FOOTBALL ACCIDENT-At the match in the Lanarkshire Cup Final on Saturday, about half-time, a sad accident occurred to one of the players in the Hamilton club, named Alexander Brown, plumber, residing with his mother in Baillie's Causeway, whereby he got his leg badly broken by coming into contact with one of the Stonelaw players. Their legs got plaited in each other, and thus caused the accident to Brown."

22nd April 1880
The A.G.M. took place. Robert Smellie, Ramage Buildings, Hamilton may have been Match Secretary.

18th March 1881
Annual Festival of Hamilton Academicals Football and Athletic Club.
Hugh Miller, M.A., Chairman, John Dunn, Captain 1st XI.

23rd April 1881
Rangers (Shields XI) were the visitors.

19th November 1881
The first ever match between Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire took place at South Haugh. At half time it was 1-1. In the second the home side scored another six times while the visitors managed a single. The home goals came from: Goldie 3, Paton 2, Crozier and McLay.

9th March 1883
The Annual Ball was held. The Committee had decided not to hold a soiree and concert. Nearly a hundred young ladies and gentlemen turned out and dancing was kept up until an early hour. Mr J.Muir's quadrille supplied the music and Mr G. Smith acted as MC.

26th March 1883
Annual General Meeting held in the British Workman's Public House at 3 o'clock.

12th May 1883
The First eleven met Cambuslang at South Avenue and lost 2-0 while at Cambuslang the 2nd Elevens met. At half time the visitors were 2-0 up. Soon it was 3-0. The home side then rallied and scored twice. With ten minutes to go there was a dispute and Acas left the field and claimed the match.

11th and 18th August 1883
The first Amateur Sports and Football Tournament was run. The event was held at South Avenue and commenced at 3pm. Admission was 6d and an additional 6d for a reserved place. John Waddell, 23, Allan Place, Hamilton, was the person to contact in order to enter. It cost 1/- for the sports entries and 2/6 for the 4 a side football teams. Amongst the early entries were Queen's Park, Rangers and Third Lanark each with two teams, Royal Albert, Cowlairs, Cambuslang, Crosshill and Granton. The final was won by Rangers No 2 when they defeated Thornliebank by 2 goals and 1 touch to1 goal. The crowd on both Saturdays was reported as very good with excellent weather. The half mile scratch race for members of Lanarkshire clubs was won by John Queen of Acas with team mate Robert White in 3rd place.

1st January 1884
Acas travelled to Belfast where they defeated Queen's Island on their ground, Ashfield, by 2-0. The scorers were McPhee and Barclay.

25th October 1884
For the Scottish Cup tie at Cambuslang there was a notice in the Hamilton Advertiser to say that Mr Wallace would be running brakes from the New Cross to the match leaving at 2.45pm sharp. Return fare was 1/-.

21st March 1885
New ground is opened at South Avenue with St Bernard's as the visitors.

18th April 1885
A "rather rough match" took place at South Avenue between Acas and Royal Albert which the visitors won by 1-0. Acas had 2 goals disallowed by the referee, a Larkhall man!

The attendance was 600.

28th November 1885
Chryston were the visitors in a Replay of a First Round tie in the Lanarkshire Cup and were defeated 11-1. No other details. This remains Acas highest ever win.

13th December 1885.
In the next round Acas opponents were Alpha who were to change their name to Motherwell.

24th October 1886
At the committee meeting of the Lanarkshire FA held in Coatbridge the Second Round draw was made; Albion Rovers v Motherwell, Cambuslang v Clydesdale, Shettleston v Drumpellier, Dykehead v Wishaw Swifts, Cambuslang Hibernian v Rutherglen. Byes; Airdrieonians, Hamilton Academicals and Carfin Shamrock. The ties to played on 20th November.

The draw for the 2nd Eleven Cup ties resulted as follows; Plains v Drumpellier, Gartsherrie v Airdriehill, Albion Rovers v Motherwell, Airdrieonians v Carfin Shamrock, Broomfield v Royal Albert, Monkland Thistle v Cambuslang, Hamilton Academicals v Tollcross, Airdrie v Shettleston.

Games to played on 27th November.

March 1888
A report appeared in the local press as follows;
"A rather peculiar incident happened at Hamilton. The Match Secretary, who has acted in that capacity for several seasons, was made the recipient of a marriage present, which was of such a shabby nature that he gave it back, and resigned his post and his membership."

30th May 1888
The opening of Douglas Park. Acas met an eleven from Glasgow University. The kick off was at 7.15pm. Admission was 3d, ladies were admitted free of charge. To date no further details have been found.

25th-27th August 1888
Some time between these date the club's wooden pavilion was broken into. Two balls were stolen along with several items of wearing apparel.

1st September 1888
In the first ever officially recognised match played at Douglas Park, Acas defeated Airdrieonians by 5-0 in the First Round of the Scottish Cup. Three weeks later in the next round at Motherwell the side lost 5-1 in front of a 2,000 crowd. Bryden being the scorer.

11th May 1889
The first ever Junior International was played at Douglas Park against England. The appointed referee failed to appear and Mr R. Livingstone, Secretary of Cambuslang FC took over after borrowing a whistle from a policeman. Scotland won by 10 goals to 1. Lanarkshire was quoted as "being the hotbed of junior enthusiasts", hence the reason why Hamilton was chosen.

The International Trial Match had been played earlier on 27th April at Victoria Park, Burnbank at which time the Probables defeated the Improbables 8-1.

13th August 1892
In a tournament at Biggar, Acas defeated Royal Albert and Wishaw Thistle.

4th July 1893
At a meeting held in the Brandon Hotel, Motherwell it was decided to form a Lanarkshire League. The founder members were; Wishaw Thistle, Royal Albert, Carfin Shamrock, Motherwell, Albion Rovers and Acas.

Two weeks later the idea was in jeopardy as Motherwell were admitted to the new Scottish Second Division.

24th February 1894
After five postponements due to ground conditions Acas met Royal Albert in the Semi final of the Lanarkshire Cup at Hamilton. The Albert protested about the ground before the match, however they won 5-3. Acas then put in a similar protest after the game and it was upheld. In the replay played at Airdrie as Douglas Park was still unplayable, Albert again won 5-3.

November 1897.
Admitted to the Scottish Football League following the dismissal of Renton FC, with Acas taking over their previous four results and remaining fixtures for the season.

6th November 1897.
Acas met Kilmarnock in their first ever Scottish League game. The match was played at Hamilton and Acas line up was as follows;
Tommy Henderson; Bob Thomson and Sandy Boyd; James Martin; Charlie Barton and James Douglas; Archibald Forrest and William Maley; Dougie Eglinton; Peter Somers and Tom Hastie.

15th March 1902.
The Lanarkshire Cup Final match at Broomfield attracted a record attendance for the competition of 7,000. Gate receipts were £166-8/-. Acas opponents were Albion Rovers. The game ended 3-0 for Acas.

8th August 1903.
The Hamilton Advertiser carried a Public Notice to announce that Hamilton Academical Football Club Limited were looking to raise £1000 in £1 shares. Subscriptions for the same to close on 18th August 1903.

15th August 1903
In the opening match of the new season, Acas travelled to Falkirk where they won 5-1.

6th February 1904.
In defeating Clyde 3-0 at Shawfield, Acas made sure of the Second Division League title in front of a crowd of 3,000. Acas lined up; Hugh Edmonds; James Dickie and Jim Welford; Bob Thomson; Alex Scholes and Sandy Cowan; "Soger" Smith and Willie McLaughlin; Harry McIlvenny; Doug McNab and John Curran. The scorers were, John Curran, Harry McIlvenny and Willie McLaughlin.

13th August 1906.
The first recorded pre season trial took place with Maroons beating the Red and Whites 3-2.

8th April 1911.
The following eleven turned out for the club in the Scottish Cup Final at Ibrox Park against Celtic. Jim Watson; Jock Davie and Adam Miller; Phil Watson; Willie McLaughlin and Matthew Eglinton; John McLaughlin and John Waugh; Willie Hunter; Johnny Hastie and Bobby McNeil. A crowd of 45,000 saw a no scoring match. A week later the same eleven lost 2-0 in the replay before 25,000. The gate receipts were, ground £1,070 and stands £297.

March 1914
The club advertised for a Secretary/Manager, a new post. There were nearly 100 applicants. A short leet of 15 was drawn up and from them 3 people were to be interviewed, James Collins, who was Secretary of the Glasgow Junior League, Peter Hodge the former Secretary/Manager of Raith Rovers and Alex Raisbeck an ex Scotland player and currently playing for Partick Thistle.

The latter was chosen and would take up his duties on 1st May 1914 when the season officially closed.

May 1915
It was agreed that for the new season a guarantee of £30 would be paid and that the players would be paid no more than £1 per week. Matches would be played on Saturdays and Public Holidays only and that the kick off would be no later than 4pm, rather than 3.30pm.

August 1917
The cost of Season Tickets was set at 5/9 (27p) for the Ground and 10/6 (52 1/2p) for the Stand. This included tax.

March 11th 1922
A local hairdresser, Robert Roberts of Quarry Street offers free haircut and shave to Acas players if they win the Scottish Cup. They lost in the Quarter Finals to Aberdeen.
The above side lined up against Heart of Midlothian at Douglas Park on 27th September 1924 and lost 2-0.

14th April 1925
Acas beat Liverpool 3-2 at Anfield in a Friendly with this eleven; George Sommerville; Charlie McCormack and Archie Johnstone; Hugh McNeil; Pat Hunt and Wattie Thomson; Dr John Bell and Tom Miller; John Miller; George Gibson and Willie Moffat.

The Millers were brothers, John a guest from Partick Thistle. Acas scorers were Gibson, Bell and J.Miller.

18th December 1928
The Scottish League sent out an intimation as follows;
"The attention of the Management Committee has been drawn to the practice of professional football players contributing articles to daily and weekly newspapers dealing with games in which they have taken part and also with other subjects connected with the game and government thereof. Being satisfied that this is not in the best interests of the players themselves, the game and the government thereof, the Management Committee desire all Clubs to recommend their players in future to desist from contributing such articles to and from allowing their names to be associated with such articles or interviews in papers published weekly or daily."

2nd June 1934
The first ever Schoolboy International match between Scotland and Ireland was played at Douglas Park before a crowd of just under 10,000. The Scots won, 5-2 thanks to a hat trick from centre forward McConnell and singles from Hamilton of Kilmarnock and Muir from Lesmahagow. The latter was one of only two Lanark Central boys in the side, George Sneddon of Larkhall being the other.

The Scotland team was; W.McAulay (Glasgow); J.Peden (Bathgate) and D.Calder (Cowdenbeath); G.Sneddon (Lanark Central); A.Swinburn (Aberdeen), capt.. and A.Little (Rutherglen); D.McDonald (Glasgow West) and W.Muir (Lanark Central); H.McConnell (Ayr); A.Hamilton (Kilmarnock) and L.Thow (Ayr). Campbell of Falkirk was originally chosen to play in goal. Lewis Thow played as a guest for Accies during the war years.

20th April 1935
In the Final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden before 87,286 spectators Acas lost 2-1 to Rangers with this side; Jimmy Morgan; Bobby Wallace and Jamie Bulloch (captain); Jacky Cox; Jimmy McStay and Joe "Joker" Murray; Jimmy King and Willie McLaren; Davie Wilson; Bertie Harrison and Bobby Reid. Scorer was Harrison.

2nd September 1937
A letter was read from James S. Burns and Sons, Publishers, requesting permission to produce a club handbook free of cost. The meeting agreed to grant such permission.

The Scottish League had notified the club that Chris McNee had been picked for the game against the Irish League in Belfast the day prior to this meeting. Jacky Cox and Bertie Harrison were named in the reserve side, Harrison being the travelling reserve. Bobby McNeil to act as trainer to the League side.

Chris McNee also chosen to play in a trial match on 8th September at Firhill Park for a Charity Match against the English League.

7th February 1939
The Reserve League Management Committee, having received numerous complaints as to the condition of the balls being provided in certain League matches, issued an instruction to all clubs that a new ball should be provided for each game.

6th May 1940
Accies travelled to Aberdeen for a friendly match. They included a number of guests in the side which was; Joe Crozier (Airdrie); Bobby Wallace and Jimmy Carabine (Third Lanark);John Thomson; Jimmy Dykes (Hearts) and Tom Jarvie; Willie McNeil and Gerry McAloon; Davie Wilson; Bertie Harrison and Tom Mooney (Airdrie).

Accies won 5-1. The scorers were Wilson 2, Harrison 2 and Mooney

September 1940
The Scottish Southern League was commenced with the following conditions. Players wages were not to exceed £2 per week when training and playing and £1 per week when training only. The players may be terminated without prejudice to their registrations with the Scottish Football League, on a fortnights notice. Clubs will be allowed to play not more than three juniors players without registration. These players will only be allowed to play in three games in a season for one or other clubs. The guarantee is £50 and 5% of all gates go to the League. The quota of complimentary tickets to visiting clubs is 10 Directors Box and 20 others, including players.

A meeting called to discuss the application by Clyde FC to play their home games at the ground of Shawfield Juniors. The Chairman was instructed to vote against such a move.

12th October 1943
Two players, Matt Devine and William Darge, were POW, it was agreed to send them a parcel. Director John R. Allan offered £10.

July 1947
Burnbank Athletic ask for the use of Douglas Park until the end of November, while work was being carried out on their own ground. This was agreed to.

24th April 1952
Players retained were; George L. Taylor, Jimmy Muir, Jocky Johnstone, Bobby Wilson, Davie Devlin, Johnny Martin, Ian Jeffrey, Bobby Shearer, John Gallacher, Steve Russell, George Meek, John Mooney, Tommy Todd, Ian Rae, John Brownlie and Bobby Cunning. Open to transfer at £500 was Johnny Anderson. These players were freed; Jimmy Benson, Jimmy Paterson, Jimmy Timmins, George M. Taylor, Charlie McMullen and Charlie McCutcheon.

27th January 1953
Kilmarnock were allocated 200 stand and 200 enclosure tickets for the forthcoming Scottish Cup tie on 7th February. The match finished 2-2 and attracted an attendance of 19,210. Accies won the replay 2-0 in front of 13,000 at Rugby Park.

21st February 1953
The Second Round Scottish Cup tie at Cathkin Park between Third Lanark and Accies finished 1-0 to the home side before a crowd of 26,234. Those wearing the visitors colours were; Jim Ritchie; Jimmy Masterton and Jocky Johnstone; Ian Jeffrey; Davie Devlin and Johnny Martin; Willie Young and Tommy Todd; Ian Rae; Danny Stillie and Bobby Cunning.

These were the men who won promotion for the club during season 1952-53:
Back row left to right; Jimmy Masterton; Jocky Johnstone; Jim Ritchie; Bobby Wilson; Ian Jeffrey; Davie Devlin and Johnny Martin.

Front row; Willie Young; Danny Stillie; Ian Rae; Sandy Logan and Bobby Cunning.

In the background are Willie Johnstone (Trainer), Walter Elder (Director), David Wallace (Director) and Hamilton Jamieson (Director).

6th October 1953
It was proposed that the team be selected by a committee made up as follows, the Chairman plus one other Director and the Manager.

8th March 1955
Ian Rae's transfer fee reduced to £250.

17th January 1956
General Electric Company suggest installing floodlights. Declined meantime.

11th September 1956
Scout and former player, George Gilmour, recommended John White of Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic to the club.

16th March 1957
The pre match entertainment in the League fixture against Alloa Athletic, is provided by Captain T.J.Bond and his Butlin's Young Ladies.'

1st September 1958
Team members were paid £2 extra bonus following good displays in the League Cup.

6th February 1962
It was decided to refund 10/- to a spectator who had written in to the club to say that he had been given short change.

2nd January 1963
The first ever match to be televised at Douglas Park when Acas met Forfar Athletic in a 2-2 game. The highlights were shown on STV later that night.

1st June 1964
The terms for playing staff were set as follows; £5 per week plus bonuses of £1 for attendances of between 3,000 and 4,000 and thereafter £2 for every 1,000.

Stand Season Tickets raised by 10/-. A letter was to sent to every town trader asking them to purchase a stand ticket.

August 1966
For the new season clubs would be allowed to introduce a substitute but only for an injured player.

September 1968
After a successful start in the Scottish League Cup, Accies meet Celtic in the Quarter Finals over two legs. The Parkhead side progress after their 2-0 win at home and 4-2 at Douglas Park.

In the Hamilton match a youngster by the name of Dalglish appeared as a substitute on his debut for the Glasgow club.

5th November 1969
Meeting held to appoint a Part Time Manager. Six applicants were interviewed, Tommy Ewing selected.

2nd September 1970
All Directors present.
Minuted as follows; John Crines intimated his resignation. Joseph Friel appointed Secretary in place of John Hilley. Robert Gibb appointed as Managing Director. Share capital to be increased to £12,000. Letters of resignation from John Hilley and William Carlin were accepted.

The proposed merger was defeated thanks to the efforts of certain Directors and Shareholders. The first Scottish League fixture was not played and was declared void. It was played in April 1971. The new Board of Directors took over and sought the permission of the outgoing Chairman, John Crines, they approached the Scottish League officials to rescind the resignation and this was agreed to. The club then continued in full membership as before and had the dubious honour of having left and rejoined the League in the same week.

October 1970
Former player, Bobby Shearer named as the new Manager.

29th September 1971
Thanks to the efforts of Chairman, Jan Stepek, two former Polish Internationalists, Witold Szygula, a goalkeeper and Roman Strazalkowski, a midfielder were brought to the club.

2nd October 1971
Bobby Shearer resigned his post as Manager.

16th October 1971
Another Polish player appeared for the club, Alfred Olek at Dumbarton. This game was new Manager, Ronnie Simpson's first match in charge.

28th February 1973
The first Floodlit Match played at Douglas Park when Montrose were the visitors in a Scottish Cup Replay which the visitors won 1-0 in front of 10,100. It has been said that the crowd figure was nearer 14,000.

14th April 1976
Allan Hughes made history when he came on as a substitute and scored a hat trick against Montrose at Douglas Park in the Spring Cup. The visitors won the first leg 3-1 and were 5-2 ahead in the second with half an hour to go. 5 goals were netted to give Accies a remarkable 7-6 win on aggregate. There were 30 seconds remaining when the winner was scored.

18th August 1976
The team reverts to red and white hoops after a few years with red and white vertical stripes. The change meets with the approval of the fans.

October 1979.
The club are to be allowed to purchase Douglas Park from Hamilton District Council. There is currently a 51 year lease in place.

April 1980
The reserves retain the Reserve League Championship defeating Falkirk 1-0 on aggregate.

August 1980
For the new season referees would be paid £25 and linesman £12 per match no matter which of Leagues they were officiating in.

September 1980
The covered enclosure was extended to give protection for a further 2,000. This brought the total under cover to 6,000.

25th August 1981
Dan Sullivan who had been doorman almost continuously from 1949 retired at the age of 74. He was a member of the Corps of Commissionaires.

February 1983
The death was reported of Bobby Cunning at his home in Dunoon. He came to Hamilton from Sunderland and was later transferred to Rangers.

3rd March 1986
The Scottish Cup tie versus Heart of Midlothian attracts an all ticket attendance of 10,000 and produces record receipts of £23,751 for Douglas Park. Accies lost 1-2.

9th August 1986
The side which met Clydebank at Douglas Park in the club's baptism in the Premier League was;
Dave McKellar; Kevin McKee and Tommy O'Neil; Gerry Collins; Ally Brazil and Graham Mitchell; Bobby Barr and John McVeigh; Joe Reid; Alex Taylor and John Brogan.
Substitute Jimmy Liddle replaced Kevin McKee.

In front of a disappointing attendance of 2,175 the visitors won 1-0.

31st January 1987
Adrian Sprott scored the only goal in a memorable Scottish Cup win against Rangers at Ibrox. The side was; Dave McKellar; Kevin McKee and Adrian Sprott; Ally Brazil; Mark Fulton and Gerry Collins; John Pelosi and Stevie Clarke; John Brogan; Albert Craig and John Mailer. Alec Taylor replaced John Mailer.

Left to right standing are, Alex Taylor, Colin Harris, Jim Kerr, Bobby Thomson, Gerry Collins, Gordon Scott, Danny McGrain, Charlie Speirs, Rikki Ferguson and Willie Jamieson. Kneeling are, Kevin McKee, Stuart Gordon, Adrian Sprott and Jamie Fairlie. In addition to the above, Gerry McCabe also received a medal, he was on loan to Dumbarton that day, his son, in the middle of the picture collected it on his behalf.

January 1990
Hamilton based LAW Holdings, linked to Fairholm Builders, produced a £40m plan to build a new 10,000 all seater stadium for Accies and four retail warehouses and parking at Douglas Park. The plans included a replacement swimming pool for the town. The council, who owned the baths, backed the scheme but due to a downturn in the building industry nothing came of it.

7th November 1991
Manager and players spent the day at Troon as a break from the normal training routine.

13th December 1992
Accies again win the B and Q Cup with a 3-1 win over Morton at Love Street, Paisley in front of a crowd of 7,391.

Accies lined up; Allan Ferguson; Chris Hillcoat and Colin Miller; Andy Millen; Jim Weir and Craig Napier; Michael Waters and Colin Harris; Colin Cramb; Gary Clark and Paul McDonald. Substitutes were Kenny Ward for Colin Cramb and Paul McKenzie for Michael Waters. Accies scorers were Gary Clark 2, and Chris Hillcoat.

21st September 1993
After only five matches in Accies colours, Davie Moyes left to join Preston North End whom he later managed with great success before taking over Premiership side Everton in 2002

14th May 1994
The last ever Scottish League First Division match was played at Douglas Park when Dumbarton were the visitors. Accies won with the following players; Dave Cormack; Paul McKenzie and Stephen McInulty; Sean McEntegart; Crawford Baptie and Dave Nicolls; John McQuade and Derek McGill; Duncan Campbell; Peter Duffield and Kenny Ward. Substitutes were Paul Chalmers for Campbell and Pat Clark for Ward. Peter Duffield scored both Accies goals in a 2-1 win. Dumbarton's counter came from Eddie Cunnington who later joined Accies. The crowd was 1,451.

June 1994
With Accies now playing their matches at Firhill following the move from Douglas Park it was decided that season ticket holders would be taken there by bus. The cost of which would be paid when the ticket was purchased.

The new season's tickets were set at; Adult £120 plus £20 for transport. OAP and fans under 16 would have to pay £70 plus £15.

13th November 1995
Angolan born winger, Jose Quitongo played as a trialist against Queen's Park in a Reserve League West match and was outstanding in a 5-2 win and was signed by Manager Iain Munro.

26th December 1995
David Cormack became the first goalkeeper to come on as a substitute for Accies in a Scottish League match when he replaced the injured Allan Ferguson at Tannadice versus Dundee United in a First Division match which finished 1-1.

22nd February 1996
Council Leader, Tom McCabe, said that South Lanarkshire Council were looking at ways in which they could support the club. He hoped to make an announcement soon. There was speculation that as the Council were short of office space they might be in a position to lease office space in the new stand.

7th November 1996
John McGuinness, the £10m Lottery winner was being asked to join Accies Board, however a consortium headed by former Directors, Jan Stepek and Jim Watson have made a bid to take-over the club and have gone to court to prevent dealings in the club shares. Mr McGuinness had expressed an interest in joining the Board but only if the take-over failed.

July 1999
Chief Executive, Bill Sherry apologised to the players after their monthly pay cheques failed to arrive. "it was just a hiccup", he said. "There was temporary shortage of funds because we needed to move money from one account to another and we required a signature. Its all been explained to the players, who were very pragmatic about it. They are in the process of being paid and any surcharges they incur will be met by the club".

1st April 2000
Accies players fail to turn up for the match versus Stenhousemuir at Ochilview as they had not been paid. Terry Bulloch, the Chairman of the home club stated that Accies should be automatically relegated for bringing the game into disrepute. he players had threatened to strike on previous occasions due to non payment of wages.

A spokesman for the Scottish League said in the national press that Stenhousemuir would not be awarded the points. Hamilton will be deducted 3 points and the game arranged for a later date.

2nd April 2000
A statement was issued by Chief Executive, Bill Sherry following the postponement of the match at Stenhousemuir. It read as follows, "Hamilton Accies deeply regret that certain players decided not to play at Stenhousemuir, even though this was a breach of contract. The problem apparently arose on Friday afternoon when the players received their salary. Those who bank with the club's bankers, the Clydesdale Bank, received immediate payment. The others declined to accept their cheques notwithstanding that funds were in place. We deeply regret the outcome of events and apologise to our good friends at Stenhousemuir and to our supporters".

20th April 2000
The Scottish Football League Management Committee to decide Accies fate following the players non appearance at Stenhousemuir.

The club had 15 points deducted by the members who were appointed to adjudicate. From having 40 points, Accies were then reduced to 25, leaving them at the foot of the table 3 points adrift of Queen of the South with 3 games left to play. They were also instructed to pay Stenhousemuir's expenses.

Chairman of the appeal committee, Alan McRae of Cove Rangers had suggested a fine of £25,000 and the deduction of only 3 points. He was supported by Tom Johnstone of the Scottish Junior FA. The other 3 members, Brown McMaster of Partick Thistle, Jack Bryson of the Scottish Welfare FA and Willie McKee of Alloa Athletic agreed with the original decision and the appeal was lost.

27th June 2000
Work finally commenced on the construction of the new ground. Kilmarnock based civil engineers, Digit Site Services laid roads and sewers and are creating car parks at the site.

5th May 2001
By defeating Montrose 4-1 at Links Park, Accies won the Third Division Championship on goal difference from Cowdenbeath. The winning team was; Graham Potter, Steven Renicks and Dylan Kerr, Ross Maclaren, Paul Gaughan and Martin Bonnar, Ryan Kelly and Jim Sherry, Alex Eadie, David McFarlane and Stuart Callaghan. Substitutes were, Michael Moore for Alex Eadie and Michael Martin for Ryan Kelly. Scorers, McFarlane 3 and Moore. The attendance was 951, with about two thirds of them coming to support Accies.

28th July 2001
Sunderland are the visitors as Accies new stadium is officially opened in front of 4,280 fans. The visitors were victors by 4-2. The men who turned out for Accies on this historic occasion were; Ian Macfarlane; Steven Renicks and Eddie Cunnington; Ross Maclaren; Paul Gaughan and Martin Bonnar; Ally Graham and Johnny Walker; Michael Moore; David McFarlane and Stuart Callaghan. Substitute; Graham Potter for Macfarlane. Scorers were; Callaghan with a penalty and Maclaren.

13th April 2002
An Amateur International Match, Scotland against the Republic of Ireland goes ahead at the ground.

While on loan to Blantyre Victoria, reserve goalkeeper, Stewart Thomson, was hit in a shooting incident during the match against Shotts Bon Accord at Castle Park, Blantyre.

16th January 2003
Peter Donald, secretary of the Scottish Football League was quoted as follows "We have been responding to correspondence with players at Hamilton Accies in relation to delays in their wages. They are being paid, but not on time and not on the date that their contracts state should be the case".

2nd April 2003
It was reported in the press that Johnny Walker who was an unused substitute for Accies on March 8th at Berwick had proved positive following a drug test which was randomly taken after the match. He admitted that he had taken cocaine at a party previously. The matter will be handled by the SFA Disciplinary Committe on 7th April. If found guilty he could be fined or censured. Secretary, Scott Struthers, is a member of the Committee, however he will take no part in this case.

7th April 2003
The SFA suspended Johnny Walker for three months following his positive drug test. The club have yet to decide what action shall be taken.

14th May 2003
Reports were circulating the former Clyde Chairman, Ronnie McDonald was interested in taking over Accies and that only 6 of the existing staff were being retained, players and officials.

17th May 2003
Ronnie McDonald is successful in his bid to take over the club.

21st May 2003
A Press Release is issued by the club in which it is stated that Chris Hillcoat and Paul McDonald have had their contract discontinued and that Alan Maitland will be taking over as Manager with Denis McDaid and Jim McQuade as his assistants. Ronnie McDonald also advised that George Fairley would be the new Chief Executive and that a new Board of Directors would be formed.

10th February 2004
Stenhousemuir were the visitors in Accies 3500th Scottish League fixture in this rearranged game on a Tuesday evening. With a crowd of 1,111 looking on the home team, which was represented by; Dave McEwan; Robert Walker and Sandy Hodge; Steve Thomson; Todd Lumsden and Jim Sherry; Brian Carrigan and Derek Ferguson; Steve Convery; Brian McPhee and Mark Corcoran, lost 1-0. John Gemmell replaced Brian Carrigan, Ryan Blackadder for Derek Ferguson and Jose Quitongo for Mark Corcoran were the substitutes.

9th March 2004
An article in the club programme advised that a video expert was required to record home matches strictly for training and coaching purposes only.

15th May 2004
By defeating Forfar Athletic 4-0 at Forfar, Accies won promotion to the First Division as Runners Up to Airdrie United. This was a marvellous achievement considering the changes which had taken place at the beginning of the season.

May 2005
Accies achieved 7th position in Division 1, with Partick Thistle and Raith Rovers being relegated to Division 2. It as announced that the club would revert to full time status from the start of season 2005/6, a decision which led to the resignation of popular manager Allan Maitland after two successful seasons. Also leaving the club were Brian McPhee, Stevie Convery, Todd Lumsden, David Hamilton, Derek Ferguson and Mark Corcoran.

June 2005
The new manager was revealed as former Clyde manager and ex-Accies player Billy Reid. With so many players having left the club at the end of the previous season, the club had to recruit several new first team squad members. Graeme Jones, Ian Harty, Mark Gilhaney and Stuart Balmer arrived from Clyde to join Billy Reid, with Balmer appointed as his assistant. Marvyn Wilson of Airdrie United, John Robertson of Ross County, Tom Bennett of Kidderminsterand Brown Ferguson of Alloa Athletic completed the squad.