Ethan Hamilton has completed a permanent move to Scottish Premiership side Dundee FC for an undisclosed fee.
I’m a bit gutted about this if I’m honest, as I really liked Ethan and had hoped for him to feature heavily this campaign. Alas, it is not the case, and he’ll now head north of the border to face the likes of Celtic, Rangers and Falkirk four times a season.
The likeable midfielder joined the Imps from Accrington Stanley in August 2023 and has made 82 appearances, scoring three goals. All three of those goals were vital, securing wins against Shrewsbury and Leyton Orient, and a point against Carlisle United.
However, the last 18 months have been tough. After suffering an injury in February 2024, he has struggled to regain his early form, and all three of his goals came prior to his injury. This season, made five league appearances off the bench and started the Carabao Cup win at Harrogate Town.
“There has been interest in Ethan this summer and, following the signing of Ivan last week, we decided that if a club met our valuation we would allow Ethan to leave for regular first team football,” said Jez George, Imps Directo of Football.
“This became an opportunity that is right for all parties. Ethan is a top character, who leaves with the respect of everyone at the club and we sincerely wish him well in the next chapter of his career at Dundee.”
Numbers before and after injury
Before the injury, across 3,184 minutes, Hamilton produced three goals and one assist, averaging 0.18 goal contributions per 90. He attempted 58 shots with 31% accuracy, backed by 3.16 expected goals. Passing was a strength, with an 85.8% success rate from 895 attempts, while his defensive reliability showed through 231 recoveries in the opponent’s half and over 100 interceptions.
He engaged heavily in duels, averaging nearly 23 per game with a 50% win rate, and was a clear presence aerially, competing in over 250 aerial duels at 43% success. This balance of progressive passing, pressing, and physicality made him a box-to-box presence.
However, after his injury, his numbers reflect a more conservative role. He did not register a goal or assist, with only 27 shots and an 18.5% accuracy rate. Passing accuracy has dipped slightly to 82%, though volume remains decent with 561 completions. His defensive metrics were still notable, with 152 opposition-half recoveries and 59 interceptions, but duel efficiency fell to around 45%. Aerial involvement also dropped, with just 158 contested and under 37% success.
In possession, Hamilton attempted fewer progressive carries and has been less of a threat around the box, suggesting a more cautious, deeper deployment.
Our analysis
As I mentioned, I’m a bit gutted about this. I remember the song ‘We’ve got Ethan in the middle’ intended for Erhahon. Within weeks, it was Hamilton excelling, and up until his injury, he was such an influential player for us. I felt before his injury, he was one of our top performers, but since returning, he hasn’t really had a break. Tom Bayliss’ arrival has certainly made it more difficult to accommodate him, as has our switch to 4-2-3-1.
I hope, and suspect, that we have at least broken even on Ethan, but with undisclosed fees now the norm, that won’t be officially revealed. The factthat Dundee have met our valuation suggests to me we have at least not lost money on him. It wouldn’t surprise me if there is a small profit to be had.
The contrast between Hamilton’s pre- and post-injury data highlights how his role with the Imps shifted. Before his setback, he was an energetic all-rounder, offering output in attack while competing aggressively in midfield battles. After the attacking threat has diminished significantly, replaced by a steadier, more restrained presence. His passing remained valuable, but the lack of goals, assists, and penetration meant we lost some of his previous drive from midfield.
Whether this reflected the tactical adjustment by the coaching staff or lingering physical limitations is up for interpretation, but having seen him (given him) get Man of the Match against Huddersfield, I’d say he’s more affected by the former, and Dundee are getting a player who should thrive in the SPFL.
What I will say is on a personal level, I will miss him, as I felt he was a good character, amiable, grounded and focused. Best of luck, Ethan.
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