Hamilton AFC
Hamilton AFC was formed in 1964 by the amalgamation of Technical Old Boys (1949) and Hamilton Wanderers (1913), though a separate Wanderers club was later re-formed. It's home ground - which it owned itself from the early 80s - was Muir Park, in Higgins Rd, Frankton, while in 1979 it erected floodlights at Kahikatea Park. In the 1960s Hamilton played its matches at Galloway Park, with Muir Park still being a rugby league venue.
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CLICK ON COVERS TO ENLARGE
1970 Chatham Cup semifinal, August 15.
v Blockhouse Bay, Muir Park
Despite having been left out of the inaugural national league, player-coach Bill Hume's Hamilton AFC were a real force, and went very close to rolling a Blockhouse Bay team which proceeded to win the national league and cup double, going down 2-1 in front of a crowd of about 1000. The A5, 12page programme was on glossy paper and offered pen portraits of both teams and a Hamilton team photo.
Undoubtedly a programme of this quality was only possible with the support of John Walker Printers in Frankton. During this era few clubs had their own programme. It was not until 1973 that national league clubs such as Gisborne City and North Shore managed regular publications.
In 1970 it was left to the Auckland, Canterbury, Otago and Wellington football associations to produce weekly publications detailing national league matches within their areas, so a club-level publication for a northern league club was a bit special. 1970 Hamilton AFC team photo HERE
v Blockhouse Bay, Muir Park
Despite having been left out of the inaugural national league, player-coach Bill Hume's Hamilton AFC were a real force, and went very close to rolling a Blockhouse Bay team which proceeded to win the national league and cup double, going down 2-1 in front of a crowd of about 1000. The A5, 12page programme was on glossy paper and offered pen portraits of both teams and a Hamilton team photo.
Undoubtedly a programme of this quality was only possible with the support of John Walker Printers in Frankton. During this era few clubs had their own programme. It was not until 1973 that national league clubs such as Gisborne City and North Shore managed regular publications.
In 1970 it was left to the Auckland, Canterbury, Otago and Wellington football associations to produce weekly publications detailing national league matches within their areas, so a club-level publication for a northern league club was a bit special. 1970 Hamilton AFC team photo HERE
1972 National League Playoffs first leg
In 1972 Hamilton finally won the northern league to earn the right to contest playoffs to enter the national league. Hamilton went all season undefeated at their Muir Park fortress.
In home and away playoffs they hosted Wellington Diamond United at Muir Park and drew 1-1. That was also the scoreline in the away leg, but Hamilton lost 2-1 in a third match played at Wembley Park, Wanganui, thwarting major hopes of finally brining national league to Hamilton.
In his programme column, Ewan McDonald said 'consistent" was the best word to describe Hamilton's 1972 season. He foud it hard to pick out a single top player, instead lauding Roy Little, Ralph Noble, Russell Holmes, Dave Wallace, Arther Parker, Don Bain, Kel Munro, John Ravenscroft and Alex Kelly. "It was a real team effort."
In 1972 Hamilton finally won the northern league to earn the right to contest playoffs to enter the national league. Hamilton went all season undefeated at their Muir Park fortress.
In home and away playoffs they hosted Wellington Diamond United at Muir Park and drew 1-1. That was also the scoreline in the away leg, but Hamilton lost 2-1 in a third match played at Wembley Park, Wanganui, thwarting major hopes of finally brining national league to Hamilton.
In his programme column, Ewan McDonald said 'consistent" was the best word to describe Hamilton's 1972 season. He foud it hard to pick out a single top player, instead lauding Roy Little, Ralph Noble, Russell Holmes, Dave Wallace, Arther Parker, Don Bain, Kel Munro, John Ravenscroft and Alex Kelly. "It was a real team effort."
1972 Playoffs programme centrepage
Showing the team lineups. Note also the healthy list of local businesses sponsorsing Hamilton during that era.
Showing the team lineups. Note also the healthy list of local businesses sponsorsing Hamilton during that era.
1974 v Papatoetoe
Few Waikato programmes have had a stranger format than that Hamilton adopted at the start of 1974. It was a single two-sided A3 sheet folded concertina fashion into four. ATA travel ad dominated the front page and a JJ Fisheries ad the full back page.
Editorially there was nothing about Hamilton, just some snippets about what was happening on the British scene. Strangest ad was for Glenvale Wine with a photo of Rolf Harris promoting the stuff and this:
The nicest people choose with pride
A wine that's on the winning side.
A win with a name that you can trust -
GLENVALE up with the play in every way.
Few Waikato programmes have had a stranger format than that Hamilton adopted at the start of 1974. It was a single two-sided A3 sheet folded concertina fashion into four. ATA travel ad dominated the front page and a JJ Fisheries ad the full back page.
Editorially there was nothing about Hamilton, just some snippets about what was happening on the British scene. Strangest ad was for Glenvale Wine with a photo of Rolf Harris promoting the stuff and this:
The nicest people choose with pride
A wine that's on the winning side.
A win with a name that you can trust -
GLENVALE up with the play in every way.
1974 v Hellas (South Australia champions)
Hamilton had a strong tradition of arranging matches with touring teams and the end of season visit of Hellas was the sixth occasion in two years that an overseas team had played at Muir Park. A5, 16 pages. Ads includes a full page back page spread for Waikato Draught and full page inside for Pall Mall cigarettes. Other sponsors were Bryan Scobie Motors, Waikato Milk Company, Riverina Hotel, Kevin McCarthy Menswear, NZ Dry Cleaners and Crystal Glass.
Hamilton had a strong tradition of arranging matches with touring teams and the end of season visit of Hellas was the sixth occasion in two years that an overseas team had played at Muir Park. A5, 16 pages. Ads includes a full page back page spread for Waikato Draught and full page inside for Pall Mall cigarettes. Other sponsors were Bryan Scobie Motors, Waikato Milk Company, Riverina Hotel, Kevin McCarthy Menswear, NZ Dry Cleaners and Crystal Glass.
The Hellas programme featured a 1974 Hamilton team photo - taken at the northern end of Muir Park, which was memorable on a couple of counts. Hamilton's gold and black strip was the ugliest in the club's history, while Rene Noorland - third from left at the back - obviously took the award for the hairiest player in Hamilton's history.
CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE
CLICK PHOTO FOR LARGER IMAGE
1975 early season
This was an illustration of Hamilton AFC's commitment to always trying to have a match programme. It was an Air NZ Cup match in early February, and a simple A5 4-pager was produced - even though team lineups were not available. In the programme Hamilton president Bruce Scobie announced Brian Coe had been appointed coach, though also said the club would be without some of its big name players of previous years.
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This was an illustration of Hamilton AFC's commitment to always trying to have a match programme. It was an Air NZ Cup match in early February, and a simple A5 4-pager was produced - even though team lineups were not available. In the programme Hamilton president Bruce Scobie announced Brian Coe had been appointed coach, though also said the club would be without some of its big name players of previous years.
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1975 Chatham Cup
This sturdy 16-page programme has curiosity value in that it features two defunct Waikato clubs.
Cameron, who sported a garish purple and black strip - they reckoned it gave them a new, youthful image - were formed in 1973 as a breakaway club from Ngaruawahia United. The club was built around three prime families - featuring two Lloyds, three Bells and four Barakats (cousins of the Bells) and trained at Paterson Park in Ngaruawahia. Brian Lloyd, a former Hamilton player, was coach.
Hamilton had Keith Nelson, Alex Young, Roy Little, John McDermid and Bill MacGowan. Hamilton won 13-0.
This sturdy 16-page programme has curiosity value in that it features two defunct Waikato clubs.
Cameron, who sported a garish purple and black strip - they reckoned it gave them a new, youthful image - were formed in 1973 as a breakaway club from Ngaruawahia United. The club was built around three prime families - featuring two Lloyds, three Bells and four Barakats (cousins of the Bells) and trained at Paterson Park in Ngaruawahia. Brian Lloyd, a former Hamilton player, was coach.
Hamilton had Keith Nelson, Alex Young, Roy Little, John McDermid and Bill MacGowan. Hamilton won 13-0.
1975 Chatham Cup 3rd round v Claudelands Rovers
Squads for both teams. Note Northern Districts cricketer Alan Stimpson playing for Rovers. Hamilton won this 6-0, and later made the quarterfinals where they lost 0-2 to Mt Wellington at Newmarket Park
Squads for both teams. Note Northern Districts cricketer Alan Stimpson playing for Rovers. Hamilton won this 6-0, and later made the quarterfinals where they lost 0-2 to Mt Wellington at Newmarket Park
1975, The Centre Page
Hamilton got a bit arty with their centre page, no doubt due to the influence of committee member John Walker. with a blue tinted photo and team lineups over-printed in red in every edition.
The background photo had a strong Hamilton connection: It was taken at Hampden Park, Glasgow, before a crowd of 70,000. The match was the Scottish Junior Cup final between Cambuslang Rangers and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, and the ball rocketing past the keeper has been headed into the net by Hamilton's superstar Keith Nelson (on his knees).
By now Hamilton had adopted royal blue as their colour. Programme ads included those for Hillcrest Tavern, Hamilton Tile Centre, Andy Shearer Music Store and Prudential Insurance - where a host of club members were agents, including Bill Hume.
Hamilton got a bit arty with their centre page, no doubt due to the influence of committee member John Walker. with a blue tinted photo and team lineups over-printed in red in every edition.
The background photo had a strong Hamilton connection: It was taken at Hampden Park, Glasgow, before a crowd of 70,000. The match was the Scottish Junior Cup final between Cambuslang Rangers and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, and the ball rocketing past the keeper has been headed into the net by Hamilton's superstar Keith Nelson (on his knees).
By now Hamilton had adopted royal blue as their colour. Programme ads included those for Hillcrest Tavern, Hamilton Tile Centre, Andy Shearer Music Store and Prudential Insurance - where a host of club members were agents, including Bill Hume.
From the Hamilton v North Shore United Chatham Cup programme, June 7, 1975.
Note the requests for work for intending football immigrants. And the flourishing Ladies Social Club.
Note the requests for work for intending football immigrants. And the flourishing Ladies Social Club.
August 23 1975 v Courier Rangers
Hamilton team photo. Note the magnificent checked trousers worn by Brian Coe.
Hamilton team photo. Note the magnificent checked trousers worn by Brian Coe.
1976 Northern League 1976
Hamilton did the double in 1976, winning the northern league, and the Air NZ Cup, where they beat the cream of national league teams, in eventually beating Gisborne City 3-1 in the final at Newmarket Park.
Brian Coe's team were laden with talent - Keith Nelson, Jim Barry, Alex Young, John McDermid, Roy Little, Dennis Tindall, Ray Powell, John Ravenscroft, Ian Dolman, Barry McKenzie, Harry Gilchrist.
The programme was 16 pages, laced with photos, on a topkote-style paper. Ads for Radio Waikato, ATA Travel, Marac Finance, Bryan Scobie Motors, Dallas Motors and J Dobbs Welding & Erection Services. It was a shame the programmes of this era never noted what year it was.
Hamilton did the double in 1976, winning the northern league, and the Air NZ Cup, where they beat the cream of national league teams, in eventually beating Gisborne City 3-1 in the final at Newmarket Park.
Brian Coe's team were laden with talent - Keith Nelson, Jim Barry, Alex Young, John McDermid, Roy Little, Dennis Tindall, Ray Powell, John Ravenscroft, Ian Dolman, Barry McKenzie, Harry Gilchrist.
The programme was 16 pages, laced with photos, on a topkote-style paper. Ads for Radio Waikato, ATA Travel, Marac Finance, Bryan Scobie Motors, Dallas Motors and J Dobbs Welding & Erection Services. It was a shame the programmes of this era never noted what year it was.
Hamilton AFC Northern League 1976
This programme v Lynndale, June 26, makes the statement that the previous home game - a 0-1 Chatham Cup loss to Blockhouse Bay - attracted the largest crowd that Muir Park had seen for an NZFA competition match. It cites a crowd figure of 2000, though this should be treated with scepticism. It appeared to be less than the 1970 Cup match against Blockhouse Bay.
The loss ended a 27-match unbeaten record for Hamilton, though the programme rejoiced at the news that the northern league winners could expect automatic national league status in 1977.
This programme v Lynndale, June 26, makes the statement that the previous home game - a 0-1 Chatham Cup loss to Blockhouse Bay - attracted the largest crowd that Muir Park had seen for an NZFA competition match. It cites a crowd figure of 2000, though this should be treated with scepticism. It appeared to be less than the 1970 Cup match against Blockhouse Bay.
The loss ended a 27-match unbeaten record for Hamilton, though the programme rejoiced at the news that the northern league winners could expect automatic national league status in 1977.
1976 centre page
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
1977 National League
This was the first season in which national league football had come to Hamilton and to fit the occasion Hamilton AFC published a good quality 16-page A5 size programme in newsprint, with full-page photos, columns by Brian Coe and Josh Easby. Advertisers included Dee Cee Drinks, 1ZH, Marac Finance and Dallas Motors. And Maoriland Building Supplies.
The newsprint base was significant, becuase it's economics resulted in Hamilton boasting the national league's first 'give-away' programme, As a publicity and public relatinos exercise, up to 4000 copies of the programme were printed and distributed in advance of matchday around Hamilton, particulalry in Frankton,
This was largely due to the support of Hamilton stalwart John Walker at Walker Print
This was the first season in which national league football had come to Hamilton and to fit the occasion Hamilton AFC published a good quality 16-page A5 size programme in newsprint, with full-page photos, columns by Brian Coe and Josh Easby. Advertisers included Dee Cee Drinks, 1ZH, Marac Finance and Dallas Motors. And Maoriland Building Supplies.
The newsprint base was significant, becuase it's economics resulted in Hamilton boasting the national league's first 'give-away' programme, As a publicity and public relatinos exercise, up to 4000 copies of the programme were printed and distributed in advance of matchday around Hamilton, particulalry in Frankton,
This was largely due to the support of Hamilton stalwart John Walker at Walker Print
1977 The Back Page
This is the back page of the Hamilton v Stop Out programme, April 17, 1977.
The photo is of Keith Nelson, one of the all-time greats of Waikato football. Nelson scored 30 goals (15 a season) in Hamilton's two national league seasons in 1977 and 1978, from 38 appearances. And the Muir Park mud in the photo gives an indication of the sort of conditions he often ad to work in.
Photos were something of a rarity in football publications of the era, but they were a feature of Hamilton programmes, This edition featured two other full page shots.
Click photo for a larger image
This is the back page of the Hamilton v Stop Out programme, April 17, 1977.
The photo is of Keith Nelson, one of the all-time greats of Waikato football. Nelson scored 30 goals (15 a season) in Hamilton's two national league seasons in 1977 and 1978, from 38 appearances. And the Muir Park mud in the photo gives an indication of the sort of conditions he often ad to work in.
Photos were something of a rarity in football publications of the era, but they were a feature of Hamilton programmes, This edition featured two other full page shots.
Click photo for a larger image
1977 National League
This programme noted that Ian "Bomber" Dolman was returning the the UK becuase of ill-health in his family. Dolman joined Hamilton as centreback soon after his arrival from Sheffield in 1974 and in partnership wit Alex Young gave Hamilton two of the strongest and tallest central defenders in the country.
Programme included a full page photo of John McDermid and Ken Morrison doing the dishes in the kitchen at home. The caption read: "Two of our best cleaners-up on the field - John McDermid and Ken Morrison - are also adept at the job at home, as apparently their wives are two of the best 'strikers' in Hamilton".
This programme noted that Ian "Bomber" Dolman was returning the the UK becuase of ill-health in his family. Dolman joined Hamilton as centreback soon after his arrival from Sheffield in 1974 and in partnership wit Alex Young gave Hamilton two of the strongest and tallest central defenders in the country.
Programme included a full page photo of John McDermid and Ken Morrison doing the dishes in the kitchen at home. The caption read: "Two of our best cleaners-up on the field - John McDermid and Ken Morrison - are also adept at the job at home, as apparently their wives are two of the best 'strikers' in Hamilton".
1977 feature match
In late 1977 there was also a special match against a Rothmans Select XI, managed by Ken Armstrong, and featuring the likes of Adrian Elrick, Kevin Stratful, Sam Malcomson, Clive Campbell and Warren Fleet. . In the programme Brian Coe announced he was stepping down as coach after three years. In his colum Coe asked the question: "Do the people of Hamilton realise in what esteem their team is held by the rest of New Zealand?"
In late 1977 there was also a special match against a Rothmans Select XI, managed by Ken Armstrong, and featuring the likes of Adrian Elrick, Kevin Stratful, Sam Malcomson, Clive Campbell and Warren Fleet. . In the programme Brian Coe announced he was stepping down as coach after three years. In his colum Coe asked the question: "Do the people of Hamilton realise in what esteem their team is held by the rest of New Zealand?"
1978 National League
In 1978 Hamilton AFC moved to a landscape format for their national league programme, which was on a slightly glossier paper, and it again featured a line drawing on the cover - different colour every week - which bore more than a passing resemblance to player-coach Kevin Fallon (who was sacked towards the end of the season).
Fallon supplied a well considered, often hard-hitting column which was the highlight of the programme. But with three teams - a quarter of the league - being relegated, Hamilton finished 10th and went down.
In 1978 Hamilton AFC moved to a landscape format for their national league programme, which was on a slightly glossier paper, and it again featured a line drawing on the cover - different colour every week - which bore more than a passing resemblance to player-coach Kevin Fallon (who was sacked towards the end of the season).
Fallon supplied a well considered, often hard-hitting column which was the highlight of the programme. But with three teams - a quarter of the league - being relegated, Hamilton finished 10th and went down.
Coach Column from Kevin Fallon, v Nelson United, April 2, 1978
Here's new player-coach Kevin Fallon talking up his new Hamilton team in their first home game, ahead of a season of promise which turned in to one of disaster, with Hamilton relegated and Fallon sacked.
But Fallon always turned in a good column in the programme.
Here's new player-coach Kevin Fallon talking up his new Hamilton team in their first home game, ahead of a season of promise which turned in to one of disaster, with Hamilton relegated and Fallon sacked.
But Fallon always turned in a good column in the programme.
1979 Northern League
In 1979, to celebrate the 15th season of Hamilton AFC, they scheduled a special curtainraiser to their northern premier league match against Papakura, pitting the Hamilton team which won the northern league in 1972 against a selection of other Hamilton greats.
The match included the likes of Bill Hume, Billy Ironside, Ralph Noble, Arthur Parker, and Technical old Boys Chatham Cup winers from 1962 such as Ray Mclean, P Feestra, J Dekkars, former NZ rep Jim Moyes
In 1979, to celebrate the 15th season of Hamilton AFC, they scheduled a special curtainraiser to their northern premier league match against Papakura, pitting the Hamilton team which won the northern league in 1972 against a selection of other Hamilton greats.
The match included the likes of Bill Hume, Billy Ironside, Ralph Noble, Arthur Parker, and Technical old Boys Chatham Cup winers from 1962 such as Ray Mclean, P Feestra, J Dekkars, former NZ rep Jim Moyes
1979 Northern League
In 1979 Hamilton were back in the northern league, and had lost the likes of Keith Nelson and Alf Stamp to Auckland teams. But they still had the likes of Dick Plume, Ken Morrison, John McDermid, Roy Little, Alex Young, Doug Snapes, Mike Groom, Barry McKenzie, Laurie Fawcett and Gary Dillistone, and with Jeff Coulshed coaching, again took the title.
They conceded just four goals in doing so, a league record.
In 1979 Hamilton were back in the northern league, and had lost the likes of Keith Nelson and Alf Stamp to Auckland teams. But they still had the likes of Dick Plume, Ken Morrison, John McDermid, Roy Little, Alex Young, Doug Snapes, Mike Groom, Barry McKenzie, Laurie Fawcett and Gary Dillistone, and with Jeff Coulshed coaching, again took the title.
They conceded just four goals in doing so, a league record.
1979 Northern League
The programme format changed midway through 1979 to this almost square shape, with a varying colour cover. 12 pages, newsprint, with limited editorial content.
The programme format changed midway through 1979 to this almost square shape, with a varying colour cover. 12 pages, newsprint, with limited editorial content.
Hamilton v Glenfield, August 4, 1979
Centrepages
Centrepages