FAIRLIE, James (1975)

Overview

With ninety-four goals in league, Scottish Cup and League Cup matches, Jamie is the clubs highest goalscorer since the Second World War. He was seventeen when he was signed from Calderbank Youth Club in 1974. He originally played as a wing half and later moved forward where he became a prolific marksman, although a number of his goals came via the penalty spot.

He made his debut in 1974 in a League Cup tie against Berwick Rangers. He left Douglas Park to the great surprise of the Accies fans in 1983, while Bertie Auld was in charge and joined Airdrieonians for £32,500. He certainly had been unsettled at the commencement of the season but this move was quite unexpected. He moved to Clydebank on leaving Broomfield. Motherwell then purchased him with Brian Wright going to Kilbowie Park.

It was equally surprising when he returned to Douglas Park in 1987 in a move which took Mark Caughey to Fir Park. Jamie gained a First Division winner’s medal as a result of his move back to Accies. Midway through the following season he was transferred to Clyde and after a further two year spell, he was forced to give up the game due to injury problems.

He was a very talented player who would have moved from Hamilton earlier than he did but in 1981 he had his leg broken in a match at Brockville, just days before he was expected to join Aberdeen. In his time with Accies he played six times for the Scottish Semi-Professional team. One of Accies post war heroes. Only Jim Frew and Rikki Ferguson have played more times for Accies than Jamie in the last sixty years. Jamie lives in Calderbank and works for North Lanarkshire Council. His daughter, Susan, plays for the Accies Ladies side and in a match against Kilmarnock in April 2010 she scored 8 goals in 14-0 win.

Born in Baillieston on 1st May 1957.

Debut on 10th August 1975 in a Scottish League Cup tie at home to Berwick Rangers which Accies won 4-0. He came on as a substitute.

Scottish League 325 Appearances 7 Subs 81 Goals (2 Hat Tricks)

Scottish Cup 12 Appearances 1 Goal

League Cup 33 Appearances 1 Sub 12 Goals

Spring Cup 8 Appearances