Freshly polished Audis and BMWs fill the garage showroom ready for viewing, while a Mini Cooper sits on the forecourt, awaiting collection after a service.
Despite the top of the range cars in and around Colin Hamilton’s garage, the Arbroath ace pulls up in his trusted Vauxhall Corsa.
“With all the driving up and down to training and Arbroath, I don’t want to get a good car damaged,” he explains. “Plus, it’s perfect if I need to chuck tyres in the back.”
Like many of his teammates, the 29-year-old will not be the afforded the luxury of a restful day ahead of the Lichties’ Premiership play-offs this week.
Two passions – cars and football
He has to juggle football with his business as well as his young family. It’s something he has been doing over his two spells at the club, going back to 2012.
A hard-working left-back on the pitch, he wouldn’t have it any other way off it as he earns a living from his two passions in life; cars and football.
“I’ve been interested in cars from a really young age,” he told Courier Sport. “At 13 or 14, my neighbour got a bright orange Focus. I washed and fixed it for him and we’ve ended up here.
“There have been a lot of long days and nights trying to sort it [his business] but it’s worth it.”
Initially starting off as a mobile valet service, Hamilton has seen business accelerate and now operates over two sites with nine employees.
As a manager himself, the Lichties’ left back admits he takes some influence from his own legendary gaffer Dick Campbell.
“The gaffer’s management style is fantastic,” he said. “He and Pink are great together.
“I suppose it helps that they are twins and can finish each other’s sentences.
“There are probably bits of his management style I use in my own line of work. But there are some things I can’t bring in to the workplace – I’d have no staff left!”
Teammates calling for favours
Hamilton reveals teammates are not shy in asking for an expert eye if they have any motoring troubles.
He highlighted two in particular who are constantly pestering him.
“The boys are good,” he said. “They bring their cars in but it’s a shame I have to cut my prices so much to get them in, right enough.
“James Craigen and Craig Reynolds, our physio, are the worst. If they contact me about their cars I’d be as well turning my phone off.”
On the pitch, Hamilton admits Arbroath’s success has taken them all by surprise as they push for a second shot of Premiership promotion.
“We always knew we had a good team,” he said “But as time went on, we realised just how good we are and can be if we keep our standards high.
“I’m majorly proud to be part of the last six years. Hopefully we can push it forward and make it a season to never forget.”
