MAYES, Gerry (1941)

Overview

As a schoolboy, in 1934, he played regularly for the Cambusnethan and District Schools Association. Gerry was a much travelled individual. He came from Craigneuk and played for Shieldmuir Celtic in 1938. After only four months there he was signed by Hibernian and it was while one of their players that he guested briefly for Accies in 1941. In actual fact Hamilton had hoped to have on trial before he had signed for the Easter Road club but an injury had ruled him out.

Served with the RAF, and he played in several Combined Services matches, most notably for Scotland v England and also represented the RAF against an “All India XI”. He spent the war years with Hibernian before going to St Johnstone in June 1947. While based at Muirton Park he netted 5 goals in his 14 League outings.

Exactly 12 months later, June 1948, he was with Dunfermline Athletic. Following a four year career at East End Park he by now in the veteran stage joined Kilmarnock on a free transfer. While at Rugby Park he scored 111 goals in 209 outings, not bad for a veteran.

He retired in April 1959. He was appointed manager of Ayr United in December 1961, a post he held for a year. He then went on to be coach at Kilmarnock and Dumbarton. He appeared in the 1957 Cup Final with Killie and the League Cup of 1953 with them as well having previously been in a League Cup Final three years earlier with the Pars.

For a man of his height, 5’7” he was excellent in the air and with the ball at his feet he showed good close control.

Debut on 9th August 1941 in a Southern League fixture away to Third Lanark.

Southern League 4 Appearances 2 Goals

Summer Cup 4 Appearances 4 Goals

Accies Career

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