Hamilton was in London, serving with the Coldstream Guards, when he had a successful trial with Crystal Palace in 1922.[3] He signed for the club in December that year and made his debut the following October against Bradford City.[3] He was a regular in the team over the following eight seasons making a total of 180 league appearances, scoring four goals.[3] In 1931 he moved to Hartlepools United where he captained the side and made 49 appearances,[3] before moving to Gateshead in 1933 where he served as player-coach.[3] In 1935 he returned to Hartlepools United, as manager, a post he held up until the Second World War.[3]