West Bromwich Albion player Ian Hamilton dies ages 55
He made 282 appearances at The Hawthorns
Last updated 6th Sep 2023
Former West Bromwich Albion player Ian Hamilton has died aged 55.
Hamilton, fondly known as 'Hammy', was taken ill last year, the WBA Former Players Association revealed this morning.
The club say they are "deeply saddened" to learn of his passing, and send their "heartfelt condolences to Ian's family and friends at this desperately sad time."
The Baggies midfielder made 282 appearances at The Hawthorns between 1992 and 1998, scoring 28 times. He played an important role in Albion's promotion via the Play-Offs from Division Two in 1993, featuring in every league match that season.
Hamilton began his career with Southampton, switching to Cambridge United in 1988 and then Scunthorpe United later that year. He amassed more than 140 games in an Iron shirt before his memorable six-year spell in the Black Country.
He went on to turn out for Sheffield United, Grimsby Town, Notts County, Lincoln City and Woking after leaving the Baggies.
Tributes have flooded in from fans and former team-mates on social media this morning.
Fellow promotion-winner Kevin Donovan wrote: "This one hurts like no other. RIP my best pal Hammy . One of the best. I’ve met so many great people in football who I class as my friends but this man meant a lot more to me. I’m gonna miss you my friend but so glad I got a final few minutes with you."
Albion will pay tribute to Ian with a minute’s applause prior to kick-off in their next home fixture against Millwall on Saturday, September 23.