All involved with Keens Park Rangers over the last few years, or those who read last week’s match report on the club’s new website, will be aware that last week’s match was Doug ‘Dougie’ Hamilton’s last game with the club.
KPR’s loss is Holland’s gain as Dougie migrates to the lowlands to pursue a career in gobbledygook such as ‘category vision’ ‘ePOS data’ and ‘planograms’ as well as, we expect, statuesque six-foot blondes’.
As much as the match report said thank you for his efforts as the Ressies’ managerial ‘one-match-wonder’, Dougie’s contributions to KPR on and off the field do warrant a fuller appreciation:
A fresh-faced Dougie joined KPR, along with his brother Ewan, while still a student at the University of Bournemouth and he made his debut against Worplesdon Phoenix B on the 24th January 2009 in the club’s inaugural season.
Dougie immediately stood out as a fit / energetic player who – unlike the majority of the team, seemed like he had played football before. Dougie became an ever-present figure in the team and KPR remained undefeated from that point onwards, winning the Guildford and Woking Alliance Division Four North by eight clear points.
Although an established member of the team, Dougie only played two games the following season when his gap year ended and his studies called him away. His LinkedIn profile also reveals that he headed off to Kenya that year to “Volenteer” at the Kuleana Centre for Children’s Rights (is that Dutch Dougie, or the reason why you got a 2:1?).
This, as much as anything, tells you a great deal of the man, the footballer and administrator. Always scrupulously fair, he may have given a few fouls away in his time but he has never been malicious. That said Dave Harris is at pains to cite one incident where Dougie, when playing in goal, scythed down the opposition’s forward for “one of the most blatant penalty and sending offs you’ll ever see”. After extensive treatment, the forward was so indignant that he hadn’t been awarded a penalty, he let out a barrage of abuse at the ref and was, himself, promptly sent off!
Just as University was behind him,Dougie suffered an ACL injury in a pre-season match at Winston Churchill School that washed out his 2011-12 season. The following season – the same year he began to climb the greasy pole of corporatism with the Scott’s Miracle Grow Company – only consisted of six games. But as much as playing time was more limited by injury and career his contributions soon transcended the field of play.
Over the past two seasons Dougie is best known as Assistant Manager to the first team. Dave Harris is, of course, most appreciative of Dougie’s input over that period, but all those who have helped to keep the club going in what is, irrespective of league and cup success, an annual struggle – are eternally grateful.
And yet, Dougie contributed in another way. One of the things that makes grassroots football, and a club like KPR in particular, so special is the blend of ages, personalities, IQs and cultural tastes involved. In this Dougie, once again, stood out. A cultured fellow he is rightly renowned as the only KPR player to go sightseeing on the now legendary tours to Budapest and Prague.
Dougie, we can only say thank you and good luck. You are always welcome back anytime for a game and a few ‘litres’ – just make sure El Boy has your €50 before you leave!
Keens Parks Rangers is a Guildford based football club and we are always looking for new players and sponsorship opportunities. Get in touch with us through our website or our social channels.
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