Tributes paid as Hamilton Accies and Partick Thistle legend passes away

Tributes have been paid to former Hamilton Accies captain Gerry Collins, who has passed away aged 69.

It’s believed he was battling illness for some time.

A defender, Collins played for Hamilton from 1985 to 88, and forged a partnership with John Lambie at Douglas Park that would last for most of their careers.

The duo won the First Division title in 1985-86 and again in 1987-88. Collins set up Adrian Sprott’s winner as Accies stunned Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup third round in 1987.

A tribute from Hamilton Accies secretary Scott Struthers read: “The club are dreadfully sad to learn of the passing this morning of our former captain Gerry Collins, who was 69.

“A stalwart of our famous cup win at Ibrox and twice Division One league winner with us.

"He remained a friend to many, and offered good advice to players, coaches and many others, and always knew everything that was happening in the Scottish game.

"When I telephoned him last May to give him the news of Adrian Sprott's illness, Gerry told me of his own diagnosis then, but was firm that he would overcome it and beat it.

"Sadly his health worsened recently, and it is very sad to learn of his passing this morning.

“The condolences from all at Accies are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Gerry.”

Collins went to Partick Thistle with Lambie and played with the Jags from 1988 to 1991.

As assistant boss to Lambie, Collins helped Thistle gain promotion to the Premier Division in 1992 where they stayed for three years.

The duo returned to Thistle in 1999 when they were staring at relegation to the Third Division, survived that season and successive title wins took them back to the Premier Division.

Partick Thistle also paid tribute to Gerry, saying: “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.

“Gerry’s tight network of close family and friends are in our thoughts today 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 defied the odds but would be no surprise to anyone who knew him, an individual known more than anything for his battling spirit.”

Their tribute continued: “Gerry’s body of work at Partick Thistle and his overall contribution to the club was and is nothing less than magnificent, giving a generation of Jags fans some of the best times of their football supporting lives.

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

Collins also played for Stranraer, Albion Rovers and Ayr United.

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