A real legend for the HiHi, apparently this was his favourite team and was really devastated at the events of 1967. Used to go to Cathkin to see Thirds play all the time when he was a kid.
I reckon if Thirds had carried on after 1967 he would have become a legend for them at Managerial level as well as a player.
My enduring memory of Ally (who was well past his prime) was in a game at Cathkin against Rangers (0-5) when he caught Jimmy Millar a beauty and sent him 'cartwheel' style flying across the middle of the pitch.
Can't say there was anything else too memorable about the game!!!
The first game i ever saw Thirds play was against the Harry Wraggs at Cathkin in season 62/63 when Thistle won 1-0 and the goal they scored was a 'backheeler' which went through Jocky's legs. I was watching the game from in front of the pie hut and the goal was scored at that end.
I was absolutely smitten and so began a love affair which i have to say endures to this day.I don't know what it was about Thirds that caused this effect but the bitter sweet memories have definitely been rekindled and kept alive by Berts and Bob Lairds books these guys should be given medals otherwise the old Hi Hi would have without doubt been consigned to history and disappeared without a trace.
I saw Ally's first game for Thirds, a big gangly lad, all left foot, they were calling him "tishy" at that time but he played on the left wing and he ran the right back ragged,the poor bugger didn't know which way to turn. Ally wasn't with us long enough and when the big clubs came sniffing around we knew it was just a matter of time!
I remember reading that Ally was absolutely gutted about the demise of Thirds, even though he would have been playing elsewhere by that stage. Apparently he grew up about the area between Hampden and Cathkin and worshipped the HiHi as a kid. No doubt would have been delighted that the name is being revived by the amateur team.
The game was at Cathkin in season 63/64 and i have to say i don't recall who got Rangers goals that day. It of course wouldn't surprise me if Forrest had scored four as the guy was on fire around that time. There was another 5-0 match at Ibrox the following season which i wasn't at it so it may have been that one you're referring too. I only saw Thirds playing Rangers twice and both games were at home with the second one being in season 64/65 (if my memory isn't playing tricks) played on a Friday night late in the season (certainly in day light) with Thirds losing 1-0.
