Partick Thistle announce death of ex-player and manager Gerry Collins aged 69

Former Partick Thistle player, manager and long-term assistant manager Gerry Collins has died aged 69.

The Maryhill club confirmed the death on Monday as they paid tribute to the former defender who also played for Hamilton, Ayr United and Albion Rovers.

It comes after a long battle with illness.

Collins spent three years at Thistle at the end of his playing career before going into coaching as John Lambie’s assistant.

Together the pair secured promotion to the top flight and kept the Jags up for three consecutive seasons before making an ill-fated move to Falkirk.

They returned to Firhill in 1999 and secured back-to-back promotions as Thistle returned to the Premier League.

Everyone at Partick Thistle FC is truly saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry Collins, our former defender, manager and – most famously – assistant manager.

Rest in peace Gerry and thanks for everything – once a Jag, always a Jag.
— Partick Thistle FC (@PartickThistle) May 20, 2024

Lambie retired from management in 2003 and Collins was promoted to the top job for around six months before also departing for the final time.

As a player he captained Hamilton Accies to a famous cup shock win over Rangers in 1987 and helped them to two first division titles.

A statement from the club on Monday said: “Everyone at Partick Thistle FC is truly saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry Collins, our former defender, manager and – most famously – assistant manager.

“Rest in peace Gerry and thanks for everything – once a Jag, always a Jag.”