Thistle pay tribute as former player and boss Collins dies
PARTICK THISTLE have paid tribute to the ‘magnificent’ contribution Gerry Collins made to the club after their former player, assistant manager and manager died at the age of 69. Collins also played for Albion Rovers, Ayr and Hamilton but was better known as John Lambie’s assistant in a management duo revered by Thistle fans. The Championship club said in a tribute on their website: ‘Gerry’s tight network of close family and friends are in our thoughts while they deal with the pain and sadness of the great man’s passing after a long battle with illness. ‘That Gerry fought so bravely for so long and defied the odds would be no surprise to anyone who knew him, an individual known more than anything for his battling spirit.’ A central defender, who was a close friend of childhood neighbour and Celtic great Tommy Burns, Collins was a key member of the Hamilton team that shocked
Graeme Souness’ Rangers side in the 1987 Scottish Cup, and twice won the old First Division with the Lanarkshire club under Lambie. Joining Thistle on loan in 1988, Collins soon became Lambie’s No 2, leading the club to promotion and enjoying three consecutive seasons in the top flight. Thistle added: ‘The most iconic image of Gerry (is) arguably when he tried to defy a touchline ban by disguising himself as a builder complete with safety helmet and “hiding” from the match officials all alone on the Jackie Husband Stand while it was still under construction. They don’t make them like that any more.’ Lambie and Collins left for Falkirk before returning to Firhill in 1999, saving the club from relegation before clinching consecutive promotions back to the top flight. Collins succeeded Lambie in 2003 but departures of key players contributed to a difficult and brief spell in charge.