Gerry Britton Hails Centenary Fund
Gerry Britton Hails Centenary Fund
By ERIK GEDDES
IN A week that has seen one of Glasgow’s football clubs on the verge of civil war, the Jags displayed a united front as they unveiled their new campaign.
Partick Thistle celebrated 100 years at Firhill on Thursday with the
launch of the clubs new fundraiser, The Centenary Fund.
Gerry Britton is under no illusions about the importance of the income streams
out with gate money for Partick Thistle and has high hopes the new
Centenary fund.
He said: “The Centenary fund is something that Partick Thistle need. It’s
important that everyone pulls in the same direction.
“I know that The Jags Trust voted to amalgamate their own existing
fundraiser into the Centenary fund, and hopefully this concerted
effort will help maintain full time football.
“That is what this club is all about – everyone working for each other.”
A host of former Firhill greats were on show, but the Maryhill based
club’s assistant manager has the experience and understanding of
Partick Thistle that few can rival.
Gerard Joseph Britton first signed for John Lambie in 1992 for
£100,000 but his involvement dates to the early 1980s when he trained
and played in the youth set up.
He said: “I trained here when I was a boy. It was Donnie McKinnon that
was the coach who took us. It must have been about 1982 if remember
correctly.
“Then I was at Celtic for a few years and scored a few goals for the
reserves before John Lambie signed me in 1992″.
Gerry scored more than a few goals for reserves at Parkhead. 122 from
196 games to be exact, but it was in the North West of Glasgow where
he was to make a name for himself.
In his first season he helped Thistle avoid relegation from the
Premier League, scoring 13 goals in the bargain, and then playing a
pivotal part in 2001 when Thistle won the First Division.
The days of six figure signings at Firhill are long gone as Gerry and
Ian McCall delve into the lower leagues for talent they try and lure
to their team.
Despite having four daughters and currently studying for a Law
Diploma, Gerry manages to juggle his commitments and enjoys his role
at Firhill.
Of his busy but structured life, he said: “It’s tough, but I manage to
wing it – it’s all about spinning plates.
“My Law degree is good back-up. It’s something I can fall back on. The
Charity (Gerry worked with Show Racism the Red Card) and the media
stuff was my full time work for a couple of years when I was part time
with Stranraer and I enjoyed it.
“However, coming back to Thistle - and to full time football - was an
easy decision to make.”