Ian Hamilton facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ian Michael Hamilton | ||
| Date of birth | 31 October 1950 | ||
| Place of birth | Streatham, London, England | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Chelsea | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1966–1968 | Chelsea | 5 | (2) |
| 1968–1969 | Southend United | 36 | (11) |
| 1969–1976 | Aston Villa | 208 | (40) |
| 1976–1978 | Sheffield United | 60 | (13) |
| 1978–1981 | Minnesota Kicks (NASL) | 101 | (22) |
| 1979–1981 | Minnesota Kicks (NASL indoor) | 25 | (19) |
| 1982 | San Jose Earthquakes | 18 | (1) |
| Total | 453 | (108) | |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Ian Michael Hamilton, born on October 31, 1950, is a former English footballer. He played as a midfielder, a player who helps both attack and defense. He was known by the nickname "Chico," which came from a famous jazz drummer.
Ian played over 300 games in the Football League in England. His clubs included Chelsea, Southend United, Aston Villa, and Sheffield United. He also played more than 100 games in the North American Soccer League for teams like Minnesota Kicks and San Jose Earthquakes.
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Ian Hamilton's Early Football Career
Ian Hamilton joined Chelsea as a young player. He quickly made a name for himself. He became the youngest player ever to play for Chelsea's first team. He was also their youngest goalscorer!
This amazing moment happened on March 18, 1967. Ian was only 16 years and 138 days old. He scored a goal against Tottenham Hotspur in his very first game. This exciting debut reminded many people of another Chelsea star, Jimmy Greaves, who also scored against Spurs on his debut.
After his time at Chelsea, Ian played for Southend United during the 1968–69 season.
Success with Aston Villa
In 1968, Ian Hamilton moved to Aston Villa. This is where he really built a long and successful career as a midfielder. He helped Aston Villa achieve great things.
In 1972, he was part of the team that won the Third Division title. This was a big achievement for the club. Ian also played in two League Cup finals. In 1971, his team lost the final. But in 1975, they won the League Cup, which was a fantastic victory!
Playing in North America
After two seasons with Sheffield United, Ian Hamilton decided to play football in a new country. He joined many other British footballers who moved to the North American Soccer League (NASL).
In the NASL, he played for two teams: Minnesota Kicks and San Jose Earthquakes. This allowed him to continue his professional career in a different league.
Life After Professional Football
After finishing his professional playing career, Ian Hamilton continued to be involved in football. He became a coach for young players. For 17 years, he coached boys' soccer at Thomas Worthington High School in Worthington, Ohio.
Later, after a break of seven years, he returned to coaching. This time, he coached girls' soccer at the same high school.
