COLLINS, Gerard (1985)

Overview

A Tollcross taxi driver, he played alongside Celtic’s Tommy Burns with St Mary’s Boys Club prior to turning junior with Maryhill and St Roch's before taking the senior plunge with Albion Rovers.

He gave one hundred per cent all the time. This trait encouraged Ayr United to take him to Somerset Park. John Lambie was also an admirer and he added Gerry to Accies staff in 1985 as the push was on for promotion. He didn't look fully fit when he came to Hamilton, however that improved and he went on to become a stalwart in the Douglas Park defence.

After a disagreement with boss, Jim Dempsey, who had taken over, Gerry met up with John Lambie again when he went on loan to Partick Thistle, and such was John's admiration of the player that he was made captain, the aforementioned fall out resulted in him signing for the Jags eventually and he completed his playing days at Firhill.

He took on the job as assistant to Lambie, and when John moved to the hot seat at Falkirk, Gerry followed him. When John resigned at Brockville in March 1996, Gerry was put in temporary charge, leaving in May 1996. He cut his Managerial teeth with Baillieston Juniors until John Lambie took him as his Assistant at Firhill in 1999. He continued as a Manager with Armadale Thistle for a time before departing Volunteer Park in 2005.

At the beginning of the following year he was Manager with Glenafton Athletic. The New Cumnock won the Ayrshire League Cup and the West of Scotland Cup under his guidance in 2005. Two years later he gave up the reins.

He took over the post of Secretary of the Managers and Coaches Association.

Born in Glasgow on 12th March 1955.

Debut on 26th October 1985 in a Scottish League match at home to Ayr United which Accies won 2-0.

Scottish League 88 Appearances 6 Subs 5 Goals

Scottish Cup 3 Appearances

League Cup 5 Appearances 1 Goal

Accies Career