It is with deep sadness that we have today learned of the passing of one of the ‘Shire all-time greats, Alex (Arthur, Hutch) Hamill. Arthur was born in Cowie in 1939 and after leaving school he worked as a miner for 6 years until his footballing talents won him a fulltime football contract. He gained the nickname “Hutch” during his time as a miner during kick-abouts down the mine with childhood friend and fellow future ‘Shire goalkeeper Ronnie Swan. Arthur would send the ball “Hutch High” to Ronnie (hutches were the containers which brough the coal to the surface).
Arthur started his playing career with Secondary Juvenile team Gowanhill United ( from Stirling) before moving onto Airth Castle Rovers. He then spent 2 seasons at Armadale Thistle before joining Clackmannan Juniors in 1961/62. At the end of that season Arthur played 2 successful trials for Brechin City and signed for them for 1962/63. However, his spell at the Angus club didn’t last long and he was soon on the move again, this time to East Stirlingshire for a reported 4 figure sum in November 1962. Right from the start the skillful winger became a firm favorite with the ‘Shire fans and was a virtual ever present in the team which won promotion to Division One that season. Arthur would go on to play 9 seasons for the ‘Shire for (including East Stirlingshire Clydebank in 1964/65) and was honoured with a Testimonial by the club against Falkirk on 19th April 1971. He was also the ‘Shire 1st team captain from 1967/68 to 1969/70. Arthur played a total of 342 matches for the ‘Shire scoring 47 goals His competitive appearance total of 326 is 6th greatest in the ‘Shire all-time list. After leaving the ‘Shire he joined Stirling Albion at the end of 1970/71 before ending his career at Camelon Juniors the following season.
All out thoughts are with Arthur's family at this sad time.
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