Whether moving up as a manager, becoming a pundit or running a pub, footballers are stereotyped in many roles after they stop playing – but did you know just how many become taxi drivers?

Ahead of Glasgow Taxis Ltd being match sponsor for this Friday night’s championship clash between Partick Thistle and Ayr United, former Jags manager and defender Gerry Collins – a Glasgow taxi driver – helped list a starting XI of former footballers who later transferred to the taxi trade.

Gerry himself was an uncompromising centre half who served Stranraer, Albion Rovers, Ayr United, Hamilton Accies and Partick Thistle – however arguably he became best known for being John Lambie’s managerial assistant during various spells with the Jags.

With a strong red and yellow theme to his side and with many still spending their working days and nights behind the wheel, just how would this team have fared had they played together in their prime?

(3-5-2)

Goalkeeper

  • Ally Hunter: Former Scotland international with four caps, who enjoyed long spells at Kilmarnock and Celtic and also played for Motherwell and St Mirren. Recently retired from the taxi trade after decades of driving.

Defence

  • John Marr: Another former Thistle star of the mid to late 1970s, John has been a recognisable and well-liked Glasgow Taxi driver for many years.

Glasgow Times:

  • Eddie Forrest: The 41-year-old man of many clubs – again, including Partick Thistle – has been driving since hanging up his senior football boots in 2011. Best known for spells with Airdrieonians, Forfar Athletic, Ayr United and East Stirling.
  • Davie Houston: Former Clydebank defender.  

Midfield

  • Bobby Houston: A cult hero at Firhill, “Badger” made almost 200 appearances for Thistle in the 1970s. Also starred for Kilmarnock and Morton before getting his taxi badge. 
  • Gary Fraser: Queen’s Park, Motherwell and Queen of the South were Gary’s teams in the late 80s and early 90s before he joined junior side Pollok.
  • Scott MacKenzie: Was the driving force in the Falkirk engine room for much of the 90s, playing more than 200 times including many under current Jags manager Ian McCall. Also had spells at St Mirren, Falkirk again, Hamilton Accies and Queen of the South.

Glasgow Times:

  • Chic Charnley: Legendary Firhill figure, synonymous with the great John Lambie teams of the 1990s and noughties. Still seen frequently at Thistle games, Chic has driven private hire cabs in the north of the city since his footballing retirement.
  • Davie Farrell: Now 50, in his footballing prime David was comfortable both in defence and midfield. Yet another who wore the red and yellow, David started his career at Hibs then Thistle before serving Airdrieonians, Clydebank, Stranraer and Albion Rovers.

Strikers

Glasgow Times:

  • Charlie Gallagher: Former Celtic and Dumbarton forward who is now 79 and, while no longer a taxi driver, tales of his 10+ years at Parkhead were the stuff of legend when he drove his cab around Glasgow after his football career finished.
  • Willie Fernie: Played up front for Celtic, Middlesbrough, St Mirren, Alloa Athletic, Fraserburgh, Coleraine, Bangor and one more team, guess who? Yep, Thistle. Born 1928 and died in 2011 aged 82, long after driving a Glasgow taxi in his later years.

Dougie McPherson, Glasgow Taxis chairman, said: “It’s quite something to have so many former professional footballers amongst our fleet – I certainly wouldn’t have bet against this team had they played together at the peak of their powers.

“Driving a Glasgow Taxi is a great option for any footballer when they hang up their boots, with the flexibility of working hours particularly likely to hold great appeal. We offer a full package of support for anyone wishing to work towards their taxi badge – let’s hope we can further strengthen our Glasgow Taxis FC squad in the years ahead.”

Glasgow Taxis is a friendly society run on behalf of its members and drivers and the single largest taxi provider in Scotland and in the UK outside London, with all vehicles wheelchair accessible and all drivers licensed and certified.

For more information on how to become a Glasgow Taxi driver visit glasgowtaxis.co.uk.