Emerging from the grassroots, it was during his tenure at an initial club that the scouts from QPR saw potential in Billy Hamilton, fetching him to mainland UK for a sum of £25,000. But it was Burnley that truly saw the shimmering brilliance of Hamilton when Brian Miller, Burnley's manager in 1979, paid £38,000 to bring this budding talent to Turf Moor.

Upon his arrival, Hamilton's international journey had just begun with one cap for Northern Ireland. Still, little did anyone know that his stint at Burnley would not only cement him as a club legend but also as one of Northern Ireland's greatest assets.

Hamilton, with his robust physique and a keen eye for goals, netted his first Burnley goal against Newcastle United, a memory so cherished that it still reverberates through the chants at Turf Moor.

Although his initial season witnessed Burnley's relegation to the Third Division, Hamilton's promise was evident with 7 goals. In the following season, his partnership with Steven Taylor lit up the games, leading Burnley to clinch the Third Division title. These stellar performances earned him a ticket to represent Northern Ireland in the 1982 World Cup. Hamilton stood tall during the World Cup campaign, notably setting up the winner against Spain and netting a brace against Austria in the Quarter Finals.

Returning from the World Cup heroics, Hamilton continued to shine for Burnley. The season witnessed him as the top scorer, most notably bagging two against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Yet, despite his heroics, Burnley faced relegation.

John Bond's entrance saw Hamilton's partnership with Kevin Reeves, a union that fired the Clarets' Third Division campaign. With Hamilton's consistent performances, it was only a matter of time before bigger clubs came calling. Oxford United seized the opportunity, signing him for £95,000. At Oxford, his goal-scoring spree continued, driving them to the First Division. Hamilton also got the chance to represent Northern Ireland in the 1986 World Cup.

However, injuries began to haunt Hamilton during his time at Oxford, leading him back to Northern Ireland. His passion for the game was evident as he took on player-manager roles at Limerick and later, Distillery. Unfortunately, a persistent knee injury meant the end of his playing days in 1992. Yet, Hamilton's managerial prowess shone through, leading Distillery to a Gold Cup win in 1994.

Billy Hamilton's journey, both at club and international levels, showcases a player driven by passion, resilience, and an unwavering love for the beautiful game.