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.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 12 March 1955 | ||
| Place of birth | Glasgow, Scotland | ||
| Date of death | 20 May 2024 (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]