The thirteenth Thistle Pin depicts a man who is as well known to referees as he is the Firhill faithful. Associated as much with stories about samurai swords and traffic cones as footballing brilliance. We’re proud to present the Chic Charnley Pin!
Lambie's Lad
James Callaghan Charnley began his senior career with St Mirren, going on to play for Pollok, Clydebank and Hamilton before finding his way to Firhill. Even before joining the Jags, Chic had developed a reputation for attacking creativity and enjoying a good wind-up (ideally of opposition fans, including Thistle ones at Kilbowie).
It was John Lambie who brought Chic to Firhill in 1988. It would be the first of four – and Charnley’s longest – spell with the Jags. Chic often described Lambie as a father figure, able to get the best out of him in ways other managers couldn’t. Lambie would turn to Chic again two further times, including during the Save the Jags era.
Flawed Genius
Chic quickly became a fans’ favourite at Firhill creating and netting plenty of goals (including against his former teams). Football was always entertainment when Charnley was involved. The natural talent and creativity was obvious and in abundance. He could pick a 40-yard pass effortlessly with his cultured left-peg.
His hot-head, of course, guaranteed unpredictability wherever Chic went. A moment of madness or mayhem was always just around the corner. He picked up 17 red cards in his senior career, though he’ll insist that several of them were very harsh (your mileage from impartial onlookers may vary).
A Firhill Legend
Charnley’s later career would see him turn-out for several Scottish clubs including Hibs and Dundee, as well as spells playing in Sweden and Ireland.
He would rekindle his Firhill association as part of Gerry Collins’ backroom staff, before joining fellow former Jag, Jim Duffy as the assistant manager at Clyde.
Chic was inducted into the Firhill Hall of Fame in 2011, having clocked up 37 Thistle goals in 153 appearances. We’re delighted to pay tribute to him in our own way with a Thistle Pin.
How to get a Charnley Pin
Chico Pins will go on sale tomorrow (Thursday 31st August) at 7pm. They will cost £10 each, including P&P.
TJF members will be sent an email with a link to the reservation and payment forms. If you are not yet a member you can join here.
If you are a member but don’t receive the email as expected, check your spam box or failing that, get in touch at membership@thejagsfoundation.co.uk.
Buying a Thistle Pin helps us to meet our pledge of £10k per month to the Football Club for the current season. It also enables us to support other projects and deliver benefits to members and the wider fanbase.