Gerry Collins (footballer)

Gerard Collins (12 March 1955 – 20 May 2024) was a Scottish football player and coach. A defender and midfielder, he played for Stranraer, Albion Rovers, Ayr United, Hamilton Academical, and Partick Thistle.

Gerry Collins

Personal information
Date of birth	(1955-03-12)12 March 1955
Place of birth	Glasgow, Scotland
Date of death	20 May 2024(2024-05-20) (aged 69)
Position(s)	Defender, midfielder
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1979–1980	Stranraer	2	(0)
	Maryhill
	St Roch's
1981–1983	Albion Rovers	68	(1)
1983–1985	Ayr United	74	(14)
1985–1988	Hamilton Academical	94	(5)
1988–1991	Partick Thistle	90	(1)
Total		328	(21)
Managerial career
1996	Falkirk
2003	Partick Thistle
	Glenafton Athletic
* Club domestic league appearances and goals

Playing career

Collins played for Stranraer, Maryhill, St Roch's, Albion Rovers, Ayr United, Hamilton Academical and Partick Thistle.^[1]

At Hamilton, Collins began as a midfielder but converted to a defender after one season.^[2] He won the Division 1 title with Hamilton in 1986 and 1988, serving as club captain.^[2] He was a part-time player, also working as a taxi driver.^[2]

Coaching career

Collins retired from playing to become assistant manager of Partick Thistle.^[1] He then became manager of Falkirk.^[3][4] He later managed Partick,^[5][6] and also Junior side Glenafton Athletic.^[2]

Death

Collins died following a long illness on 20 May 2024, at the age of 69.^[7][8]