Footballer. Born in Kinglassie (Fife), Fernie became a versatile player and joined Celtic in 1948, remaining with that team for a decade. He was part of the team which took the League Championship and Scottish Cup in 1953-54, and won the League Cup in 1956 and 1957. He also represented his country in the World Cup teams of 1954 and 1958. He spent two years with the English team Middlesbrough, returned to Celtic for a further year (1960-61), before moving to St. Mirren in Paisley for two years. He then spent brief periods at Partick Thistle (Glasgow), Alloa Athletic, Fraserburgh, Coleraine (Ireland) and Bangor (Wales) before retiring. Thereafter he served as a coach for Celtic (1967-73) and Manager of Kilmarnock (1973-77).