Gary Harkins
{{short description|Scottish footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Gary Harkins
| image =
| fullname = Gary Harkins{{Hugman|8296|access-date=5 March 2017}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|1|2|df=y}}
| birth_place = Greenock, Scotland
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| position = Midfielder
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 = Celtic
| youthyears2 = 2001–2003
| youthclubs2 = Blackburn Rovers
| years1 = 2003–2006
| years2 = 2004
| years3 = 2005
| years4 = 2005
| years5 = 2006–2007
| years6 = 2007–2009
| years7 = 2009–2011
| years8 = 2011–2013
| years9 = 2013
| years10 = 2013–2014
| years11 = 2014
| years12 = 2014–2016
| years13 = 2016–2017
| years14 = 2017–2018
| years15 = 2018
| years16 = 2019–2020
| years17 = 2020
| years18 = 2020
| clubs1 = Blackburn Rovers
| clubs2 = → Huddersfield Town (loan)
| clubs3 = → Bury (loan)
| clubs4 = → Blackpool (loan)
| clubs5 = Grimsby Town
| clubs6 = Partick Thistle
| clubs7 = Dundee
| clubs8 = Kilmarnock
| clubs9 = Dundee
| clubs10 = St Mirren
| clubs11 = → Oldham Athletic (loan)
| clubs12 = Dundee
| clubs13 = Ayr United
| clubs14 = Greenock Morton
| clubs15 = Queen of the South
| clubs16 = Partick Thistle
| clubs17 = Stenhousemuir
| clubs18 = Gartcairn Juniors
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| caps2 = 3
| goals2 = 0
| caps3 = 5
| goals3 = 0
| caps4 = 4
| goals4 = 1
| caps5 = 17
| goals5 = 0
| caps6 = 63
| goals6 = 9
| caps7 = 70
| goals7 = 20
| caps8 = 46
| goals8 = 3
| caps9 = 14
| goals9 = 2
| caps10 = 15
| goals10 = 1
| caps11 = 23
| goals11 = 5
| caps12 = 58
| goals12 = 8
| caps13 = 32
| goals13 = 5
| caps14 = 34
| goals14 = 8
| caps15 = 13
| goals15 = 1
| caps16 = 22
| goals16 = 0
| caps17 = 3
| goals17 = 0
| goals18 = 0
| caps18 = 0
| club-update = 01:04, 26 July 2024 (UTC)
| clubs19 = Forfar Athletic
| years19 = 2021–2022
| goals19 = 0
| caps19 = 20
| totalcaps = 446
| totalgoals = 66
| clubs20 = Kilbirnie Ladeside
| clubs21 = Glenafton Athletic
| years20 = 2022–2023
| years21 = 2023
| caps21 = 3
| goals21 = 1
| caps20 = 0
| goals20 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2021–2022
| managerclubs1 = Forfar Athletic (first team coach)
| manageryears2 = 2022–2023
| managerclubs2 = Kilbirnie Ladeside (first team coach)
| manageryears3 = 2023
| managerclubs3 = Glenafton Athletic (assistant manager)
}}
Gary Harkins (born 2 January 1985) is a Scottish professional footballer and coach who plays as a midfielder.
Having come through the youth academies at Celtic and Blackburn Rovers he would notably play in the Scottish Premiership for Kilmarnock, Dundee and St. Mirren. He also played in the English Football League for Huddersfield Town, Bury, Blackpool, Grimsby Town and Oldham Athletic, and in the Scottish Football League for Partick Thistle, Ayr United, Greenock Morton, Queen of the South, Stenhousemuir and Forfar Athletic. While at Forfar, he would also perform the role of first team coach, and later assistant manager.
Club career
=Blackburn Rovers=
Born in Greenock, Scotland, Harkins started out as a schoolboy player with Celtic where he spent three years there.{{cite news|title=Harkins aims to take his chance|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/harkins-aims-to-take-his-chance-1057576|website=Manchester Evening News|date=30 June 2005|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins was offered a move to Bolton Wanderers or stay at Celtic but opted to join Blackburn Rovers as a YTS player instead when he was sixteen years old.{{cite web|title=Harkins Premier signing|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/harkins-premier-signing-5091101|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|access-date=22 March 2012|date=24 March 2004}}{{cite web|title=Partick Thistle: Gary Harkins on his resurgence at Firhill|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/47508938|author=Jonathan Sutherland|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 March 2019|access-date=12 March 2019}}{{cite web|last=Waddell|first=Gordon|title=Kilmarnock star Gary Harkins is happy to show what he can do after years on the defensive|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/kilmarnock/2012/03/18/scottish-communities-league-cup-final-kilmarnock-star-gary-harkins-is-happy-to-show-what-he-can-do-after-years-on-the-defensive-86908-23792673/|work=Daily Record|access-date=24 March 2012|date=18 March 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320231750/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/kilmarnock/2012/03/18/scottish-communities-league-cup-final-kilmarnock-star-gary-harkins-is-happy-to-show-what-he-can-do-after-years-on-the-defensive-86908-23792673/|archive-date=20 March 2012|url-status=dead}} While progressing through the club’s academy, Harkins played for the Blackburn Rovers’ under–19 squad throughout the 2002–03 season, scoring five goals in five matches throughout November.{{cite news|title=Rovers still at the summit|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5937947.rovers-still-summit/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=6 November 2002|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Leeds win cements top spot|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5936605.leeds-win-cements-top-spot/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=13 November 2002|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Rovers' five-star display|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5934680.rovers-five-star-display/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=21 November 2002|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Bell rings twice for the kids|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5933558.bell-rings-twice-kids/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=27 November 2002|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Harkins keeps side on course|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5911511.harkins-keeps-side-course/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=20 March 2003|access-date=3 March 2025}}{{cite news|title='Oop north, down south: Gary on life with Barry|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12367473.oop-north-south-gary-life-barry/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=24 September 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} He helped the club’s academy win the national age-group title after beating Aston Villa over two-legs in the final.
Harkins was appointed a trainee at Ewood Park in August 2003 but although he appeared in the academy and reserve teams, he did not play a competitive first team game for the club.{{cite web|title=Gary Harkins|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=38102|work=Soccerbase|publisher=Racing Post|access-date=22 March 2012}}{{cite news|title=Garner glows in nine-goal thriller|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5870664.garner-glows-nine-goal-thriller/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=19 November 2003|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Douglas inspires Rovers|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5869614.douglas-inspires-rovers/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=26 November 2003|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=First point for Hodges|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5808865.first-point-hodges/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=17 November 2004|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Match report: Blackburn Reserves 2 Wolves Reserves 2|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6226052.match-report-blackburn-reserves-2-wolves-reserves-2/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=20 October 2005|access-date=3 March 2025}} The arrival of Mark Hughes as manager of Blackburn Rovers in September 2004 saw Harkins called up to play with the first team in a number of pre-season friendlies, with Hughes apparently seeing potential in his future as a central defender.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Andrew|title=Interview: Gary Harkins, Kilmarnock midfielder|url=http://www.scotsman.com/scotland-on-sunday/sport/interview-gary-harkins-kilmarnock-midfielder-1-2181139|publisher=Scotland on Sunday|access-date=18 March 2012|date=18 March 2012|quote=Initially, Harkins started out at Blackburn as a defensive midfielder but "even Mark Hughes ended up playing me at centre-half in a few pre-season games".}}{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock's Gary Harkins hopes to get creative in cup battle|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13050908.kilmarnocks-gary-harkins-hopes-get-creative-cup-battle/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=18 March 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} At the end of the 2005–06 season, he was released by the club.{{cite news|title=Rovers release seven|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/741398.rovers-release-seven/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=25 April 2006|access-date=3 March 2025}}
==Loan spells from Blackburn Rovers==
Harkins joined Huddersfield Town on loan on 25 March 2004.{{cite web|title=Hudderfield sign Harkins|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/huddersfield_town/3568073.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=20 March 2012|date=25 March 2004}} He made his debut for the club, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Leyton Orient on 3 April 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/leyton-orient-1-huddersfield-town-5075049|title=Leyton Orient 1, Huddersfield Town 1|website=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=5 April 2004|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620193851/https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/leyton-orient-1-huddersfield-town-5075049|archive-date=20 June 2021|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/harkins-bid-join-battle-promotion-5090065|title=Harkins in bid to join battle for promotion|website=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=10 April 2004|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612195125/https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/harkins-bid-join-battle-promotion-5090065|archive-date=12 June 2021|url-status=live}} Harkins made only three appearances before returning to Blackburn in June.{{Soccerbase season|38102|2003|name=Gary Harkins|access-date=22 March 2012}}
On 8 February 2005, Harkins joined Bury on a one-month loan.{{cite web|title=Bury sign Harkins on month's loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bury/4245971.stm |publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=20 March 2012|date=8 February 2005}} On the same day, he made his debut for the Shakers, starting the whole game, in a 0–0 draw against Shrewsbury Town.{{cite news|title=Gary's another Rover hoping to glitter|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5795421.garys-another-rover-hoping-glitter/|website=The Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 February 2005|access-date=3 March 2025}} Having played five times in a month-long spell, Harkins returned to his parent club.{{cite web |title=Shakers want Fitzgerald to stay |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bury/4336803.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=22 March 2012 |date=10 March 2005 |quote=Blackburn midfielder Gary Harkin has not had his loan extended after making five appearances during a month-long spell at Gigg Lane.}}{{Soccerbase season|38102|2004|name=Gary Harkins|access-date=23 March 2012}}
On 16 November 2005, Harkins joined Blackpool on loan for one month.{{cite web|title=Blackpool recruit Harkins on loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/4441808.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=20 March 2012|date=16 November 2005}} He made his debut for the club, starting the match, in a 3–2 loss against Colchester United on 19 November 2005.{{cite news|title=Colchester United 3–2 Blackpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4431100.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=19 November 2005|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins scored in the next two matches for the club, coming against Carlisle United and Chesterfield.{{cite news|title=Carlisle United 2–1 Blackpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4448430.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=22 November 2005|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Chesterfield 1–1 Blackpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4448708.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=26 November 2005|access-date=3 March 2025}} He went on to make six appearances and scoring two goals before returning to his parent club.{{Soccerbase season|38102|2005|name=Gary Harkins}}
=Grimsby Town=
On 11 July 2006, Harkins joined Grimsby Town on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.{{cite web|title=Grimsby swoop for veteran Beagrie|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/grimsby_town/5170262.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=20 March 2012|date=11 July 2006 |quote=Grimsby Town have signed veteran winger Peter Beagrie and former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Gary Harkins [...] Harkins, 21, has signed a two-year deal at Blundell Park.}}
He made his debut for the club, starting the whole game, in a 3–2 win against Boston United in the opening game of the season.{{cite news|title=Grimsby Town 3–2 Boston United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/5226862.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=5 August 2006|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins went on to make twenty appearances in total for Grimsby Town in the 2006–07 season.{{Soccerbase season|38102|2006|name=Gary Harkins|access-date=24 March 2012}} His spell at Grimsby Town was an unhappy one, with factors including homesickness and a falling-out with manager Alan Buckley (who joined the club in November 2006).{{cite web|title=Harkins wins contract at Firhill|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/partick_thistle/6910943.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=24 March 2012|date=22 July 2007}} Reflecting on his time at the club, he said: "I hadn't been happy since moving to Grimsby and was a bit homesick. I had a really tough time at Grimsby – the name says it all, really! I just had to get out, even though I had a year left on my contract. I didn't do myself any favours and didn't get on well with the manager – it was a big growing-up experience for me. The manager who signed me, Graham Rodger, got sacked after a few months then Alan Buckley came in and I just didn't get on with him." At the end of the 2006–07 season, Buckley allowed Harkins to look for another club.{{cite web|title=Grimsby let Harkins pursue move|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/grimsby_town/6292974.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=24 March 2012|date=11 July 2007}} Instead, Harkins was released by the club several weeks later.{{cite news|title=Mariners release defender|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11750/2621512/|publisher=Sky Sports|date=29 July 2007|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130708000718/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11750/2621512/|archive-date=8 July 2013|url-status=dead}}
=Partick Thistle (first spell)=
Harkins then moved to his native Scotland, and after a trial signed a one-year contract with Scottish First Division club Partick Thistle on 22 July 2007.{{cite web|title=Partick Thistle sign defender Harkins|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/smgpubs/access/1308351631.html?dids=1308351631:1308351631&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+23%2C+2007&author=&pub=The+Herald&desc=Partick+Thistle+sign+defender+Harkins&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721041045/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/smgpubs/access/1308351631.html?dids=1308351631:1308351631&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+23,+2007&author=&pub=The+Herald&desc=Partick+Thistle+sign+defender+Harkins&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 July 2012|work=Glasgow Herald|access-date=24 March 2012|date=23 July 2007}}
He made his debut for the club, starting the whole game, in a 1–1 draw against Stirling Albion in the opening game of the season.{{cite web|url=http://ptfc.co.uk/pressbox/match_reports.asp?id=167|title=Match Reports: Stirling Albion 1–1 Partick Thistle|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=4 August 2007|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008002105/http://ptfc.co.uk/pressbox/match_reports.asp?id=167|archive-date=8 October 2007|url-status=dead}} In a follow–up match, Harkins scored his first goal for Partick Thistle, in a 2–1 win against Airdrieonians in the first round of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite news|title= Partick Thistle 2–1 Airdrie United|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12469745.partick-thistle-2---1-airdrie-united/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=9 August 2007|access-date=3 March 2025}} A month later, on 4 September 2007, he scored again, in a 3–1 win against Berwick Rangers in the second round of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite news|title=Near death experience but Thistle pull through|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12803226.near-death-experience-but-thistle-pull-through/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=5 September 2007|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 3 November 2007, Harkins scored his first league goal for the club, in a 2–1 win against Clyde.{{cite news|title=McCall helps Broadwood bogie come off the rails|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12852132.mccall-helps-broadwood-bogie-come-off-the-rails/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=5 November 2007|access-date=3 March 2025}} While he started out at Thistle playing as a defender, his move into midfield let him play in a more attacking role.{{cite news|title=Don't scoff at Jags desire to finish top four|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12803170.dont-scoff-at-jags-desire-to-finish-top-four/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=2 October 2007|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Do business at Dundee or our Tay's out warns boss|url=http://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12845475.do-business-at-dundee-or-our-tays-out-warns-boss/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=28 December 2007|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Records are there to be broken says bold Britton|url=http://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12794724.records-are-there-to-be-broken-says-bold-britton/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=28 March 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Bogey-buster Jags dent Dens men's title dreams|url=http://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12793608.bogey-buster-jags-dent-dens-mens-title-dreams/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=2 April 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|last=Fisher|first=Stewart|title=Kilmarnock's Gary Harkins hopes to get creative in cup battle|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/kilmarnocks-gary-harkins-hopes-to-get-creative-in-cup-battle.17048338|work=HeraldScotland|access-date=22 March 2012|date=18 March 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615220502/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/kilmarnocks-gary-harkins-hopes-to-get-creative-in-cup-battle.17048338|archive-date=15 June 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Harkins will hot foot it to seal Jags spot|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12794440.harkins-will-hot-foot-it-to-seal-jags-spot/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=27 March 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee's Gary Harkins owes debt of gratitude to Partick boss|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/61599/dundees-gary-harkins-owes-debt-of-gratitude-to-partick-boss/|website=The Courier|date=16 January 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 11 December 2007, Harkins signed a one–year contract with Partick Thistle.{{cite news|title=Roasted Jags aim to keep heat on Pars|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12852609.roasted-jags-aim-to-keep-heat-on-pars/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=11 December 2007|access-date=3 March 2025}} In a quarter–final of the Scottish Cup match against Rangers on 19 March 2008, he performed impressively throughout the match that resulted in a 1–1 draw, which resulted in a replay match.{{cite news|title=Fringe guys flirt with disaster as Jags force replay|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12794407.fringe-guys-flirt-with-disaster-as-jags-force-replay/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=20 March 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} After the match, Harkins’ performance was praised by manager Ian McCall and was named Man of the Match.{{cite news|title=Fixtures start to pile up for Rangers|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12460727.fixtures-start-pile-rangers/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=20 March 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Player Ratings; Rangers v Partick Thistle|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/player-ratings-rangers-v-partick-971996|website=Daily Record|date=1 July 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} However in the replay match, the club loss 2–0 and was eliminated from the tournament.{{cite news|title=Partick Thistle 0–2 Rangers|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12460509.partick-thistle-0---2-rangers/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=14 April 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} After serving a two match suspension, he signed a two–year contract with Partick Thistle, keeping him until 2010.{{cite news|title=Make Marko in bid to go fourth|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12793412.make-marko-in-bid-to-go-fourth/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=16 April 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=New deals for Partick Thistle duo|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/partick_thistle/7355521.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 April 2008|access-date=9 July 2013}} At the end of the 2007–08 season, Harkins made forty appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.{{Soccerbase season|38102|2007|name=Gary Harkins|access-date=26 March 2012}} Manager Ian McCall, again, praised his performance for being "an increasingly influential for the club over the closing months of the campaign."{{cite news|title=Playing fair at Firhill|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12799516.playing-fair-at-firhill/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=25 April 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
At the start of the 2008–09 season, Harkins captained Partick Thistle for the match against Queen's Park in the first round of the Scottish League Cup when he set up the second goal of the game, in a 2–1 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.ptfc.co.uk/matches/seasons/2008-2009/matches/2607_queens_park/match_report|title=Match Report: Partick Thistle 2–1 Queen's Park|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=26 July 2008|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314074207/http://www.ptfc.co.uk/matches/seasons/2008-2009/matches/2607_queens_park/match_report|archive-date=14 March 2012|url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|title=McCall: I need twin powers to lead line|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12854606.mccall-i-need-twin-powers-to-lead-line/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=28 July 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins then captained the club in a number of matches in absent of Alan Archibald.{{cite news|title=Gary pledge to play real captain role|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12810808.gary-pledge-to-play-real-captain-role/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=31 July 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=McCall needs artillery if Thistle are to try and build on solid defence|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12862127.mccall-needs-artillery-if-thistle-are-to-try-and-build-on-solid-defence/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=1 August 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Jags grind Diamonds down but Gray shines|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12810437.jags-grind-diamonds-down-but-gray-shines/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=11 August 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} He scored his first goal of the season, in a 4–2 win against Peterhead in the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.ptfc.co.uk/matches/seasons/2008-2009/matches/1208_peterhead/match_report|title=Partick Thistle 4–2 Peterhead|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=12 August 2008|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314074218/http://www.ptfc.co.uk/matches/seasons/2008-2009/matches/1208_peterhead/match_report|archive-date=14 March 2012|url-status=dead}} Harkins scored two goals in two matches between 23 August 2008 and 26 August 2008 against St Johnstone and Dundee.{{cite news|title=Rivals four-warned as Thistle savage Saints|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12810842.rivals-four-warned-as-thistle-savage-saints/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=25 August 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 1–2 Partick Thistle|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12367738.dundee-1---2-partick-thistle/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=27 August 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} He continued to regain his first team place for Partick Thistle, who performed "outstanding form", "who sets himself high standards and he believes his game has still to hit the heights."{{cite news|title=Gary's looking to give Thistle Dens dividend|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12810461.garys-looking-to-give-thistle-dens-dividend/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=26 August 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Harkins braced to smash apart dogged Dens men|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12815639.harkins-braced-to-smash-apart-dogged-dens-men/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=3 October 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=McCall: Jags title fate may hinge on Livi win...|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12816491.mccall-jags-title-fate-may-hinge-on-livi-win/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=27 February 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} At some point, Harkins played in the centre–back position, due to the absence of other defenders.{{cite news|title= Harkins hopes Thistle can be up, up and away|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12816594.harkins-hopes-thistle-can-be-up-up-and-away/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=3 December 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 20 September 2008, he scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 2–1 win against Greenock Morton.{{cite news|title=Irons weighed down by Morton's dismal run|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12369297.irons-weighed-mortons-dismal-run/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=22 September 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} During the match, Harkins suffered ankle injury and was substituted in the 64th minute.{{cite news|title=No fear is the Marc of good side at Firhill|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12811013.no-fear-is-the-marc-of-good-side-at-firhill/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=23 September 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} But he recovered and made his return to the starting line–up, in a 2–1 loss against Rangers in the third round of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.ptfc.co.uk/matches/seasons/2008-2009/matches/2409_rangers/match_report|title=Partick Thistle 1–2 Rangers|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=24 September 2008|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314074156/http://www.ptfc.co.uk/matches/seasons/2008-2009/matches/2409_rangers/match_report|archive-date=14 March 2012|url-status=live}} It wasn’t until on 1 November 2008 when Harkins scored from a penalty spot, in a 2–0 win against Queen of the South.{{cite news|title=Ian hails spirit as Jags end five-game slump|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12787196.ian-hails-spirit-as-jags-end-five-game-slump/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=3 November 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} He then scored two goals in two matches between 29 November 2008 and 13 December 2008 against Stirling Albion and Airdrieonians.{{cite news|title=Stirling Albion 2–3 Partick Thistle|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12372767.stirling-albion-2---3-partick-thistle/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=1 December 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=McCall must keep away Thistle bargain hunters|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12817170.mccall-must-keep-away-thistle-bargain-hunters/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=15 December 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins’ performance attracted interest from Scottish clubs in the January transfer window.{{cite news|title=Class act Gary can get even better with Jags|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12816626.class-act-gary-can-get-even-better-with-jags/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=19 December 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Thistle: No Aberdeen raid on Harkins|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12816381.thistle-no-aberdeen-raid-on-harkins/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=29 December 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Bargain basement ripe for January sales|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12376419.bargain-basement-ripe-january-sales/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=6 January 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Goalden shot Gary target for Brewster|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12816669.goalden-shot-gary-target-for-brewster/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=7 January 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} Amid to the transfer speculation, he maintained his form at Partick Thistle, including scoring against Clyde.{{cite news|title=Partick Thistle 0–2 Ross County|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12375450.partick-thistle-0---2-ross-county/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=20 December 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.ptfc.co.uk/matches/seasons/2008-2009/matches/0301_clyde/match_report|title=Match Report: Clyde 2–4 Partick Thistle|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=3 January 2009|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716225747/http://www.ptfc.co.uk/matches/seasons/2008-2009/matches/0301_clyde/match_report|archive-date=16 July 2011|url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|title=Pointer to future but Jags' SPL dream dies|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12817539.pointer-to-future-but-jags-spl-dream-dies/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=19 January 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 28 February 2009, Harkins scored a brace to help the club win 4–2 against Livingston.{{cite news|title=Livingston 2–4 Partick Thistle|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12384922.livingston-2---4-partick-thistle/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=2 March 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} After the match, he hoped his goalscoring exploits would help Partick Thistle achieve promotion to the Scottish Premier League.{{cite news|title=Harkins will not hold back in Jags push|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12817644.harkins-will-not-hold-back-in-jags-push/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=5 March 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Hark's attack has Jags rivals looking down|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12818739.harks-attack-has-jags-rivals-looking-down/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=25 March 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} After scoring the winning goal against Dunfermline Athletic, Harkins’ performances earned him the Scottish Football League’s Player of the Month for February 2009.{{cite news|title=Dunfermline 0–1 Partick Thistle|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12383651.dunfermline-0---1-partick-thistle/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=17 March 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Irn-Bru Phenomenal Player and Manager of the Month Awards February 2009|url=http://www.scottishfootballleague.com/news/article/the-irn-bru-phenomenal-award-winner-2009-03-17/|publisher=Scottish Football League|date=17 March 2009|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20140220213508/http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/the-irn-bru-phenomenal-award-winner-2009-03-17/|archive-date=20 February 2014|url-status=dead}} On 4 April 2009, he scored the late equaliser, in a 1–1 draw against title contender, St Johnstone, to help the club keep the title race alive.{{cite news|title=Five alive for McCall as Jags hang on to Saints' coat tails|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12825053.five-alive-for-mccall-as-jags-hang-on-to-saints-coat-tails/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=6 April 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, his two match suspension led Partick Thistle to surrender their title hopes to St Johnstone.{{cite news|title=Harkins warns Dobbie may be ace for Queens|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12826781.harkins-warns-dobbie-may-be-ace-for-queens/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=10 April 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Fury as blast from the past haunts Harkins...|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12824837.fury-as-blast-from-the-past-haunts-harkins/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=21 April 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=McCall still able to think the unthinkable, for now at least|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12387734.mccall-still-able-think-unthinkable-now-least/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=25 April 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} At the end of the 2008–09 season, Harkins scored twelve goals, making him the Partick Thistle's top goal scorer with 12 goals from 41 appearances.{{Soccerbase season|38102|2008|name=Gary Harkins|access-date=26 March 2012}}
For his performance throughout the 2008–09 season, Harkins won the First Division's Player of the Year and Partick Thistle's Player of the Year awards.{{cite news|title=Tuff call but Jonny's up for Jags top player gong|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12824846.tuff-call-but-jonnys-up-for-jags-top-player-gong/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=22 April 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Gary on a roll as he picks up Jags gong|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12828758.gary-on-a-roll-as-he-picks-up-jags-gong/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=8 May 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/sfl-end-of-season-award-winners-ann|title=IRN-BRU CELEBRATES A PHENOMENAL SEASON OF FOOTBALL|website=Scottish Football League|date=29 May 2009|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20190902170840/https://spfl.co.uk/news/sfl-end-of-season-award-winners-ann|archive-date=2 September 2019|url-status=live}} At the end of the 2008–09 season, Harkins was offered a new contract by Partick Thistle.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins set to follow boss Ian McCall and pledge future to Partick Thistle|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/gary-harkins-set-to-follow-boss-1027217|work=Daily Record|date=13 June 2009|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20140410001614/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/gary-harkins-set-to-follow-boss-1027217|archive-date=10 April 2014|url-status=live}} However, he reportedly rejected a deal, something that was denied by Ian McCall.{{cite news|title=Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall slams Gary Harkins contract snub claims|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/partick-thistle-boss-ian-mccall-1027934|work=Daily Record|date=18 June 2009|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20140410001545/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/partick-thistle-boss-ian-mccall-1027934|archive-date=10 April 2014|url-status=live}}
{{cite news|title=Hark talk trashed|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12798578.hark-talk-trashed/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=18 June 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
=Dundee (first spell)=
After a protracted effort in which they had three offers turned down, Dundee’s manager Jocky Scott said the third offer would be their last for Harkins.{{cite news|title=Dundee bid for Harkins kicked out by Thistle|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12828230.dundee-bid-for-harkins-kicked-out-by-thistle/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=20 May 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Thistle KO new bid for Harkins|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12796544.thistle-ko-new-bid-for-harkins/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=27 May 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee's offer of £100,000 for Harkins looks likely to be rejected by Partick Thistle board|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12392880.dundees-offer-pound-100-000-harkins-looks-likely-rejected-partick-thistle-board/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=29 May 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 1 July 2009, the Dens increased their bid of £150,000 plus future fees for him, which was accepted by Partick Thistle.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins' sell-on clause at Partick Thistle clinches £150k Dundee deal|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12798674.gary-harkins-sell-on-clause-at-partick-thistle-clinches-pound150k-dundee-deal/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=1 July 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} The next day, Harkins officially joined Dundee for a £150,000 plus future fees, signing a two–year contract.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/partick_thistle/8121643.stm|title=Dundee capture Thistle's Harkins |date=2 July 2009|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=2 July 2009}}
He scored on his debut for the Dens, in a 5–0 win against Stranraer in the first round of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite news|title=Dundee 5–0 Stanraer|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/8177194.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 August 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins scored four goals throughout August, including a brace against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.{{cite news|title=Raith Rovers 2–2 Dundee|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8200732.stm|website=bbc Sport|date=15 August 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Cowdenbeath 0–3 Dundee|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/8207079.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 2–2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8212806.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=22 August 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} For his performance, he won the SFL Player of the Month for August 2009.{{cite web|title=August prize for Dundee's Harkins|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/8240658.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 March 2012|date=6 September 2009}} Harkins quickly became a first team regular at Dundee in the midfield position.{{cite news|title=Stirling Albion 1 Dundee 2|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12515461.stirling-albion-1-dundee-2/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=6 September 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 3 Aberdeen 2: Melville's millions starting to pay off|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12613501.dundee-3-aberdeen-2-melvilles-millions-starting-pay-off/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=22 September 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee signing Shimmin wants to enjoy view from the top|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/89649/dundee-signing-shimmin-wants-to-enjoy-view-from-the-top/|website=The Courier|date=28 May 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}} Between September and October, he scored three goals for the Dens, including two goals against Dunfermline Athletic on two separate occasions.{{cite news|title=Dundee 1–0 Dunfermline Athletic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8249738.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 September 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 2 Partick Thistle 0: Rich performance no match for Scott's strikeforce|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12611327.dundee-2-partick-thistle-0-rich-performance-no-match-scotts-strikeforce/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=10 October 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dunfermline Athletic 1–1 Dundee|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8333522.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=31 October 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} In the Scottish Challenge Cup Final against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Harkins scored the equalising goal, as Dundee won 3–2 to win the tournament.{{cite web|title=Dundee 3-2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/8369525.stm|publisher=BBC|date=22 November 2009|accessdate=31 March 2021}} This was followed up by scoring in the next four league matches, including one against his former club, Partick Thistle.{{cite news|title=Ross County 0–1 Dundee|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8387564.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=1 December 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Robbo vows to hit back after Jags sucker punch|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12846143.robbo-vows-to-hit-back-after-jags-sucker-punch/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=7 December 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 3–1 Ayr United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8407242.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=12 December 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 3–1 Greenock Morton|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8410925.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=19 December 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, in a match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle, on 26 December 2009, he received a red card for a second bookable offence, in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=Inverness Caledonian Thistle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8423542.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=26 December 2009|access-date=3 March 2025}} After serving a one match suspension, Harkins returned to the starting line–up, in a 3–2 win against Dunfermline Athletic on 17 January 2010.{{cite news|title=Dundee 3–2 Dunfermline Athletic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8460422.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins then scored two goals in two league matches between 6 March 2010 and 17 March 2010 against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ayr United.{{cite news|title=Dundee 2–2 Inverness Caledonian Thistle|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8550878.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=6 March 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Match report: Ayr United 1 Dundee 1|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/142898/match-report-ayr-united-1-dundee-1/|website=The Courier|date=17 March 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 30 March 2010, he scored his fifteenth goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Dunfermline Athletic.{{cite news|title=Dunfermline Athletic 2–1 Dundee|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8592969.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=30 March 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}} In a follow–up match against Ayr United, Harkins suffered a knock and was substituted in the 49th minute, as the club won 3–0, but he quickly recovered.{{cite news|title=Match report: Dundee 3 Ayr United 0|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/142852/match-report-dundee-3-ayr-united-0/|website=The Courier|date=5 April 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Chisholm launches weapons hunt|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/127970/chisholm-launches-weapons-hunt/|website=The Courier|date=6 April 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dens keeper in double op|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/102931/dens-keeper-in-double-op/|website=The Courier|date=7 April 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}} He then scored two more goals for Dundee by the end of April.{{cite news|title=Match report: Dundee 2 Morton 2|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/142907/match-report-dundee-2-morton-2/|website=The Courier|date=19 April 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 2–0 Raith Rovers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8638897.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=24 April 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}} At the end of the 2009–10 season, Harkins made forty–five appearances and scoring nineteen goals in all competitions.{{Soccerbase season|38102|2009|name=Gary Harkins|access-date=26 March 2012}} For his performance, he was nominated for Scotland's Player of the Year for the First Division.{{cite web|title=Rangers quartet vie for Player of the Year award|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8621078.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 March 2012|date=15 April 2010}}
Ahead of the 2010–11 season, Harkins was named as the new captain of Dundee by manager Gordon Chisholm after he captained a number of friendly matches in the Dens’ pre–season.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins at the front of the queue for Dundee captain's armband|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/gary-harkins-at-the-front-of-the-queue-for-dundee-1065919|work=Daily Record|date=4 August 2010|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410001627/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/gary-harkins-at-the-front-of-the-queue-for-dundee-1065919|archive-date=10 April 2014|url-status=live}} Following the appointment, Harkins said he would try his best to become a captain.{{cite news|title=Dundee skipper Gary Harkins vows to nag team mates onto glory|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-skipper-gary-harkins-vows-1066096|work=Daily Record|date=6 August 2010|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20140410001559/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-skipper-gary-harkins-vows-1066096|archive-date=10 April 2014|url-status=live}} In the opening game of the season, Harkins scored his first of the season, in a 1–0 win against Queen of the South.{{cite news|title=Match report: Dundee FC 1 Queen of the South 0|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/143115/match-report-dundee-fc-1-queen-of-the-south-0/|website=The Courier|date=9 August 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}} A month later, on 11 September 2010, he scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–1 loss against Dunfermline Athletic.{{cite news|title=Dunfermline Athletic 3–1 Dundee|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/8986157.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=11 September 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, the season was overshadowed by Dundee entering administration and was penalised 25 points by the Scottish Football League the following month.{{cite news|title=Dundee FC in crisis: live updates|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/143294/dundee-fc-in-crisis-live-updates/|website=The Courier|date=15 October 2010|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|title=Dundee hit with 25-point penalty|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/9146206.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 March 2012|date=1 November 2010}} Harkins, who said the Dens entering administration was the darkest day of his career, expressed optimism that Dundee would avoid relegation.{{cite news|title=Watching Dundee go into administration has been darkest day of my career, says Gary Harkins|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/watching-dundee-go-into-administration-has-been-1072893|work=Daily Record|date=16 October 2010|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20140410004729/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/watching-dundee-go-into-administration-has-been-1072893|archive-date=10 April 2014|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|last=McDaid|first=David|title=Dundee can avoid relegation – Gary Harkins|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/9161368.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 March 2012|date=4 November 2010}} He led the Dens to go on a twenty–three match undefeated streak that saw Dundee out of the relegation zone.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins praises joker Jocky Scott|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/73243/gary-harkins-praises-joker-jocky-scott/|website=The Courier|date=19 February 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins reveals the human side to Dundee FC's success|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/114347/gary-harkins-reveals-the-human-side-to-dundee-fcs-success/|website=The Courier|date=5 March 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Cowdenbeath 1 Dundee 3: Dark Blues move closer to safety with comfortable win|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/130601/cowdenbeath-1-dundee-3-dark-blues-move-closer-to-safety-with-comfortable-win/|website=The Courier|date=9 March 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}} It wasn’t until on 2 January 2011 when Harkins scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against Ross County.{{cite news|title=Match report: Dundee FC 2 Ross County 0|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/143501/match-report-dundee-fc-2-ross-county-0/|website=The Courier|date=3 January 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 12 February 2011, he scored the equalising goal in the final 10 minutes of the game, as Dundee eventually beat 2–1 against Raith Rovers.{{cite news|title=Match report: Dundee 2 Raith Rovers 1|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/130394/match-report-dundee-2-raith-rovers-1/|website=The Courier|date=14 February 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 16 April 2011, he scored his fifth goal of the season, in a 3–1 win against Greenock Morton.{{cite news|title=Greenock Morton 1–3 Dundee|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_div_1/9454937.stm|website=BBC Sport|date=16 April 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}} At the end of the 2010–11 season, Harkins played in every matches for the Dens, as he made forty–one appearances and scoring five times in all competitions.{{Soccerbase season|38102|2010|name=Gary Harkins|access-date=26 March 2012}} For his performance, Harkins was named PFA first division team of the year.{{cite news|title=Dundee FC striker Leighton McIntosh gets U19 Scotland call-up|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/115823/dundee-fc-striker-leighton-mcintosh-gets-u19-scotland-call-up/|website=The Courier|date=4 May 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}} He was also nominated for SFL Player of the Year in the First Division.{{cite web|title=Scotland's player of the year awards nominees announced|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13078886.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=26 March 2012|date=14 April 2011|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110415063920/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13078886.stm|archive-date=15 April 2011|url-status=dead}}
=Kilmarnock=
On 20 June 2011, Harkins left Dundee to sign for Kilmarnock for an undisclosed fee, exercising an option to leave agreed when Dundee went into administration in the previous November.{{cite web|title=Dundee's Gary Harkins signs for Kilmarnock |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13851037 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=27 March 2012 |date=20 June 2011}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news_detail.asp?h=HARKINS-LEAVES&newsid=1715|title=Harkins leaves|date=20 June 2011|publisher=Dundee FC|access-date=20 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004222206/http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news_detail.asp?h=HARKINS-LEAVES&newsid=1715|archive-date=4 October 2011|url-status=dead}}
He made his first appearance for the Ayrshire side on 24 July 2011, in a 1–1 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice in the opening game of the season.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/14242095.stm|title=Dundee United 1–1 Kilmarnock|website=BBC Sport|date=24 July 2011|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110728200651/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/14242095.stm|archive-date=28 July 2011|url-status=dead}} Since joining the club, Harkins became involved in the first team, playing in the midfield position.{{cite news|title=Thin line between family favourite and video nasty|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13037158.thin-line-family-favourite-video-nasty/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=27 September 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 3: Celtic 3 Proverbial proof|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13038225.kilmarnock-3-celtic-3-proverbial-proof/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=15 October 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Heffernan just the job for kilmarnock|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13038885.heffernan-just-job-kilmarnock/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=25 October 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}} He then scored his first goal for Kilmarnock, and set up a goal for Paul Heffernan, who went on to score a hat–trick, in a 5–0 win over Queen of the South in the third round of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14893557.stm|title=Kilmarnock 5–0 Queen of the South|website=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2011|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110922183942/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/14893557.stm|archive-date=22 September 2011|url-status=dead}} A month later, on 25 October 2011, Harkins scored his second goal for the club, in a 2–0 win against East Fife in the quarter–finals of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock secure their passage into last four but Shiels' men fail to dampen East Fife's spirit|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13038973.kilmarnock-secure-passage-last-four-shiels-men-fail-dampen-east-fifes-spirit/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=26 October 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 3 December 2011, he scored his third goal for Kilmarnock and set up the second goal of the game, in a 2–0 win against Aberdeen.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 2 Aberdeen 0: Change of tack is conditional as Kenny Shiels left 'hollow' by win|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13041948.kilmarnock-2-aberdeen-0-change-tack-conditional-kenny-shiels-left-hollow-win/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=5 December 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, Harkins suffered ankle injury during training and was for two weeks.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock's Gary Harkins suffers broken ankle in training|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16384415.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 January 2012|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20120103081152/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16384415.stm|archive-date=3 January 2012|url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|title=Lucky break gives Kilmarnock's Gary Harkins a reason to smile again|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13045057.lucky-break-gives-kilmarnocks-gary-harkins-reason-smile/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=19 January 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} But on 17 January 2012, he made his return from injury to start against his former club, Dundee, in the fourth round replay of the Scottish Cup, and set up two goals, in a 2–0 win to help the club go through to the next round.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 2 Dundee 1: Gary Harkins makes miraculous recovery to vanquish former club|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13045022.kilmarnock-2-dundee-1-gary-harkins-makes-miraculous-recovery-vanquish-former-club/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=18 January 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, his return was short–lived when Harkins suffered an injury that saw him out for four matches.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock midfielder James Dayton: I'll shoot down Pars.. and injury-prone myth|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/kilmarnock-midfielder-james-dayton-ill-1116017|website=Daily Record|date=7 February 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} But Harkins made his return from injury, starting a match and played 64 minutes before being substituted, in a 3–1 loss against Hibernian on 25 February 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17083255|title=Kilmarnock 1–3 Hibernian|website=BBC Sport|date=25 February 2012|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20120301085444/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17083255|archive-date=1 March 2012|url-status=dead}} On 18 March 2012, he played in the Scottish League Cup Final against Celtic, playing 64 minutes before being substituted, as Kilmarnock won 1–0 to win the tournament.{{cite news|title=Celtic 0 Kilmarnock 1: Hollow victory|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13051069.celtic-0-kilmarnock-1-hollow-victory/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=18 March 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} At the end of the 2011–12 season, Harkins made thirty–five appearances and scoring three times in all competitions. However, despite winning the Scottish League Cup, he said the 2011–12 season was disappointing, saying: "I put the pressure on myself. I had a disappointing season last year. I didn't score enough goals or create enough last year."{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock v St Mirren Don't believe the hype – Steven Thompson's target remains nothing more than a top-six finish|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13074075.kilmarnock-v-st-mirren-dont-believe-hype---steven-thompsons-target-remains-nothing-top-six-finish/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=22 September 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}}
At the start of the 2012–13 season, Harkins, however, suffered an injury in the 5th minute of the game against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and was substituted, as the match ended in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 1 Kilmarnock 1: Highland point comes with hefty bill for Shiels|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13069007.inverness-ct-1-kilmarnock-1-highland-point-comes-hefty-bill-shiels/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=13 August 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} But he recovered quickly and returned to the starting line–up Motherwell on 18 August 2012 and scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 1 Motherwell 2: Spurs graduate Francis-Angol top of the class|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13069882.kilmarnock-1-motherwell-2-spurs-graduate-francis-angol-top-class/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=20 August 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} In a follow–up match against Dundee United, however, Harkins suffered a head injury and was substituted in the 15th minute, as Kilmarnock won 3–0.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 3 Dundee United 1: Self-destruction|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13070685.kilmarnock-3-dundee-united-1-self-destruction/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=26 August 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Shiels stands back to admire a team made in his image|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13070742.shiels-stands-back-admire-team-made-image/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=27 August 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} After missing one match, he returned to the first team, coming on as a 79th-minute substitute, in a 2–1 loss against Hibernian on 15 September 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19528287|title=Hibernian 2–1 Kilmarnock|website=BBC Sport|date=15 September 2012|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20120917195655/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19528287|archive-date=17 September 2012|url-status=dead}} On 10 November 2012, Harkins scored his second goal of the season, in a 3–0 win against Ross County.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 3 Ross County 0: Aggrieved Shiels won't let referee row lie|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13080504.kilmarnock-3-ross-county-0-aggrieved-shiels-wont-let-referee-row-lie/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=10 November 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, by December, he soon lost his first team place at the Killie after a falling out with manager Kenny Shiels when they had a bust up following a 1–1 draw against Hibernian on 23 December 2012.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock v St Johnstone: Saints out to mark midfielder's milestone match with a win|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/81299/kilmarnock-v-st-johnstone-saints-out-to-mark-midfielders-milestone-match-with-a-win/|website=The Courier|date=23 November 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 1 Hearts 0: Killie scrape to all three points|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13086132.kilmarnock-1-hearts-0-killie-scrape-three-points/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=26 December 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock v Dundee: Gary Harkins has nothing to prove upon Killie return|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/76442/kilmarnock-v-dundee-gary-harkins-has-nothing-to-prove-upon-killie-return/|website=The Courier|date=6 April 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}} During January 2013, it was reported that Harkins could return to Dundee; this was initially denied by manager Kenny Shiels, who claimed that Harkins was "one of the best players in the SPL" despite their fallen out.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21104805|title=Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels dismisses talk of Harkins departure|date=19 January 2013|access-date=26 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122041730/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21104805|archive-date=22 January 2013|url-status=dead}} By the time he left Kilmarnock, Harkins made seventeen appearances and scoring two times in the first half of the 2012–13 season.
=Dundee (second spell)=
It was reported by The Courier that Dundee agreed to sign Harkins on loan until the end of the 2012–13 season.{{cite news|title=Dark Blues agree Gary Harkins deal|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/87824/dark-blues-agree-gary-harkins-deal/|website=The Courier|date=11 January 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 25 January 2013, it was confirmed that Harkins had rejoined Dundee for an undisclosed fee.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21205861|title=Midfielder Gary Harkins leaves Kilmarnock for Dundee|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 January 2013|access-date=26 January 2013}} As part of the deal, the two clubs agreed that he would not play when they met the following weekend at Dens Park.
Harkins's first game after signing for Dundee on a permanent basis came on 30 January 2013, in a 1–0 loss against Hearts.{{cite news|title=Hearts 1 Dundee 0: McGlynn leaves it late to change for the better|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13090368.hearts-1-dundee-0-mcglynn-leaves-late-change-better/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=30 January 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}} He quickly became a first team regular at the Dens, playing in the midfield position.{{cite news|title=Dundee 2 St Johnstone 2: Brown's boys make their point|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13094085.dundee-2-st-johnstone-2-browns-boys-make-point/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=28 February 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee boss John Brown will not stifle Gary Harkins' creative strengths|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/74500/dundee-boss-john-brown-will-not-stifle-gary-harkins-creative-strengths/|website=The Courier|date=14 March 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee boss John Brown believes Gary Harkins can play huge role in run-in|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/77169/dundee-boss-john-brown-believes-gary-harkins-can-play-huge-role-in-run-in/|website=The Courier|date=18 April 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}} In a match against St Mirren on 8 March 2013, Harkins helped Dundee win 2–1 to end the winless streak in the league and was named Man of the Match for his performance.{{cite news|title=Dundee 2 St Mirren 1: McAlister goal breathes life into Brown's boys|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13094982.dundee-2-st-mirren-1-mcalister-goal-breathes-life-browns-boys/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=8 March 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Nothing to lose but everything to gain for revived Dundee|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13095142.nothing-lose-everything-gain-revived-dundee/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=8 March 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}} Then, on 6 April 2013, the last game of the season before it split, he scored twice in a 2–0 win against his former club, Kilmarnock.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 1 Dundee 2: Harkins returns to haunt old club and condemn Killie to the bottom six|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/kilmarnock-1-dundee-2-harkins-1815693|work=Daily Record|date=6 April 2013|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20130408011706/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/kilmarnock-1-dundee-2-harkins-1815693|archive-date=8 April 2013|url-status=live}} In a follow–up match against St Mirren, Harkins set up the winning goal for Carl Finnigan, in a 2–1 win.{{cite news|title=St Mirren 1 Dundee 2: Dark Blues show no fear in survival battle|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/118555/st-mirren-1-dundee-2-dark-blues-show-no-fear-in-survival-battle/|website=The Courier|date=22 April 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}} After missing one match due to a rib injury, Harkins returned to the starting line–up against Aberdeen on 5 May 2013, where he was unable to help the Dens avoid relegation after their relegation was confirmed following a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins will fight the pain for Dundee's survival battle |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/77806/gary-harkins-will-fight-the-pain-for-dundees-survival-battle/|website=The Courier|date=30 April 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 1 Aberdeen 1: Dundee relegated from SPL after failing to beat Aberdeen at Dens Park|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/dundee-1-aberdeen-1-spl-1871448|work=Daily Record|date=5 May 2013|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20130510203813/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/dundee-1-aberdeen-1-spl-1871448|archive-date=10 May 2013|url-status=live}} At the end of the 2012–13 season, he made fourteen appearances and scoring two goals in all competitions.
Following their relegation, Harkins said his future was uncertain at Dundee as he wanted to play at the higher level.{{cite news|title=Dundee: Gary Harkins unsure over future|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22424682|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 May 2013|access-date=9 July 2013}} Despite initially agreeing to stay at the Dens, he changed his mind and soon announced his departure from the Dens, citing the club's failure to agree a change of ownership.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins on the verge of staying with Dundee|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/64880/gary-harkins-on-the-verge-of-staying-with-dundee/|website=The Courier|date=29 May 2013|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins leaves Dundee, blaming collapsed Texan investment for his departure|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/gary-harkins-has-left-dundee-1921972|work=Daily Record|date=30 May 2013|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614003853/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/gary-harkins-has-left-dundee-1921972|archive-date=14 June 2013|url-status=live}}
=St Mirren=
Harkins agreed a two-year contract with St Mirren on 3 June 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21205861|title=Midfielder Gary Harkins signs for St Mirren|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 June 2013|access-date=3 June 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127143918/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21205861|archive-date=27 January 2021|url-status=dead}}
He made his debut for the club, starting the whole game, in a 3–0 loss against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the opening game of the season.{{cite news|title=Inverness CT 3–0 St Mirren|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23474753|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 August 2013|access-date=3 January 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804231204/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23474753|archive-date=4 August 2013|url-status=dead}} In a follow–up match, Harkins scored the equalising goal against former club Kilmarnock, as the match ended in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=St Mirren 1 Kilmarnock 1: Kris Boyd sees red as Buddies make their point|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/scottish-premiership--st-mirren-2177977|work=Daily Record|date=17 August 2013|access-date=3 January 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819033757/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/scottish-premiership--st-mirren-2177977|archive-date=19 August 2013|url-status=dead}} It wasn’t until on 11 December 2013 when he scored his second goal for St Mirren, in a 3–0 win over Queen of the South in the fourth round replay of Scottish Cup.{{cite news|title=St Mirren 3 Queen of the South 0: Gary Harkins returns in style as Saints secure Scottish Cup progress|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/st-mirren-3-queen-south-2914169|work=Daily Record|date=11 December 2013|access-date=3 January 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318205858/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/st-mirren-3-queen-south-2914169|archive-date=18 March 2014|url-status=dead}} However, Harkins’ first team opportunities at the club was limited, due to Paul McGowan being preferred, which he vowed to fight for his place in the first team.{{cite news|title=End to trials is little tribulation|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13128896.end-trials-little-tribulation/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=26 October 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=St Mirren changing for the better|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13132415.st-mirren-changing-better/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=19 November 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins imagines keeping St Mirren spot|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/gary-harkins-imagines-keeping-st-mirren-spot-1-3229922|publisher=The Scotsman|date=12 December 2013|access-date=3 January 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104024538/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/gary-harkins-imagines-keeping-st-mirren-spot-1-3229922|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=dead}} After leaving St Mirren, Harkins was criticised by manager Danny Lennon for not "working hard enough off the ball to succeed at the club".{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins' lack of work rate prompted departure from St Mirren|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/st-mirren/258942-gary-harkins-lack-of-work-rate-prompted-departure-from-st-mirren/|publisher=STV|date=3 January 2014|access-date=3 January 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104045755/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/st-mirren/258942-gary-harkins-lack-of-work-rate-prompted-departure-from-st-mirren/|archive-date=4 January 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Playmaker proves that looks can be deceiving|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13142767.playmaker-proves-looks-can-deceiving/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=28 January 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}} By the time he left St Mirren, Harkins made seventeen appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.
After Harkins' loan spell at Oldham Athletic came to an end, St Mirren announced on 27 June 2014 that the midfielder had his contract with the club cancelled by mutual consent.{{cite web|url=http://www.saintmirren.net/pages/?p=34069|title=Gary Harkins|work=www.saintmirren.net|publisher=St Mirren official website|date=27 June 2014|access-date=27 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161831/http://www.saintmirren.net/pages/?p=34069|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}
==Oldham Athletic (loan)==
Following an unsuccessful spell at St Mirren, Harkins joined League One side Oldham Athletic on loan until the end of the 2013–14 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25588956|title=Oldham sign David Worrall, Gary Harkins and Adam Lockwood|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 January 2014|access-date=3 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310191423/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25588956|archive-date=10 March 2014|url-status=dead}}
He made his debut for the club, starting the match and played 74 minutes before being substituted, in a 1–0 win against Stevenage on 14 January 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25599632|title=Oldham Athletic 1–0 Stevenage|website=BBC Sport|date=14 January 2014|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115114757/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25599632|archive-date=15 January 2014|url-status=dead}} He scored his first goals for Oldham Athletic in a 5–4 win against Peterborough after coming back from 3–0 down at half–time.{{cite news|title=Oldham Athletic 5–4 Peterborough United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25789721|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 January 2014|access-date=25 January 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129005828/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25789721|archive-date=29 January 2014|url-status=dead}} His first goal of the game came in the 48th minute when Harkins bundled into the back of the net after a knockdown from Jonson Clarke-Harris to make it 3–1. His second goal of the game came in the 89th minute when he scored from a penalty spot to make it 4–4 in the closing minutes and then had the final say in the match, delivering the corner from which Genseric Kusunga scored to make it 5–4 in the 96th minute. After the match, Harkins deservedly won man of the match for his performance and he gained many plaudits post-match. Since joining Oldham Athletic, he became a first team regular for the club and became a fans' favourite among the Latics supporters.{{cite news|title=Och aye the Roo|url=http://oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/84304/och-aye-the-roo |website=Oldham Chronicle|date=23 January 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Harkins lovin' it at Latics|url=https://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/84620/harkins-lovin%E2%80%99-it-at-latics|website=Oldham Chronicle|date=14 February 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Final report: getting better|url=http://oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic-news/85818/final-report-getting-better|website=Oldham Chronicle|date=9 May 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}} Manager Lee Johnson praised Harkins’ performances, due to his impact made since joining the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/mk-dons-v-oldham-athletic-6711806|title=Harkins hope: MK Dons v Oldham preview|website=Manchester Evening News|date=14 February 2014|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617050953/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/mk-dons-v-oldham-athletic-6711806|archive-date=17 June 2021|url-status=live}} A month later, on 22 February 2014, he scored his second goal for Oldham Athletic, in a 1–0 win against Gillingham.{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/oldham-1-gillingham-0-6735583|title=Harkins boost: Oldham 1 Gillingham 0|website=Manchester Evening News|date=22 February 2014|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612145257/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/oldham-1-gillingham-0-6735583|archive-date=12 June 2021|url-status=live}} He then scored two more goals for the club the following month in March, coming against Preston North End and Crewe Alexandra.{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lee-johnson-oldham-athletic-were-6792543|title=Johnson: Oldham were outclassed|website=Manchester Evening News|date=10 March 2014|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806042127/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lee-johnson-oldham-athletic-were-6792543|archive-date=6 August 2021|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26492995|title=Crewe Alexandra 1–1 Oldham Athletic|website=BBC Sport|date=15 March 2014|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319124529/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26492995|archive-date=19 March 2014|url-status=dead}} At the end of the 2013–14 season, Harkins made twenty–four appearances and scoring five goals in all competitions. Following this, he returned to his parent club.{{cite web|url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/20140507-loanees-return-to-clubs-1540384.aspx|title=Loanees Return To Parent Clubs|publisher=Oldham Athletic Official Website|access-date=8 May 2014|date=7 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508193453/http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/20140507-loanees-return-to-clubs-1540384.aspx|archive-date=8 May 2014|url-status=unfit}}
=Dundee (third spell)=
On 30 June 2014, Harkins signed a two-year contract with Dundee for the third time.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins joins Dundee for a third time|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/152176/gary-harkins-joins-dundee-for-a-third-time/|website=The Courier|date=30 June 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28086644|title=Dundee re-sign midfielder Gary Harkins on two-year deal|publisher=BBC Sport|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702084833/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28086644|archive-date=2 July 2014|url-status=dead}}
He scored against Manchester City in a pre-season friendly, which the Dens went on to win 2–0.{{cite news|last1=Nicolson|first1=Eric|title=Dundee 2 Manchester City 0: Watch the action here|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/153158/dundee-2-manchester-city-0-watch-the-action-here/|access-date=3 October 2020|work=The Courier (Dundee)|date=12 July 2014}} Harkins made his third debut for Dundee, starting the whole game, in a 4–0 win against Peterhead in the second round of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite news|title=Dundee 4 Peterhead 0: Dominant Dark Blues too good for visitors|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/119935/dundee-4-peterhead-0-dominant-dark-blues-too-good-for-visitors/|website=The Courier|date=2 August 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}} In a follow–up match, he scored his first goal of his third spell at the Dens with a penalty, in a 1–1 draw against his former club, Kilmarnock.{{cite web|title=Dundee 1–1 Kilmarnock|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28647038|publisher=BBC Sport|last=McLeod|first=Liam|date=9 August 2014|access-date=9 August 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811050123/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28647038|archive-date=11 August 2014|url-status=dead}} In a next game against Partick Thistle, Harkins took a penalty, only for it to be saved by Paul Gallacher; the match ended 1–1.{{cite news|title=Dundee 1–1 Partick Thistle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28716870|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 August 2014|access-date=27 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820011228/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28716870|archive-date=20 August 2014|url-status=dead}} Since joining Dundee, he quickly became a first team regular, playing in the midfield position.{{cite news|title=Fox holds starting role in his hands|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13175175.fox-holds-starting-role-hands/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=16 August 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee derby: Paul Paton warns United still have to hit top gear|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/156820/dundee-derby-paul-paton-warns-united-still-have-to-hit-top-gear/|website=The Courier|date=22 September 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Stephen Pearson on Dundee shopping list|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13195380.stephen-pearson-dundee-shopping-list/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=31 December 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins then scored two goals in two league matches between 4 October 2014 and 18 October 2014 against Aberdeen and Motherwell.{{cite news|title=Dundee 2–3 Aberdeen|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29389657|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 October 2014|access-date=27 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005231611/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29389657|archive-date=5 October 2014|url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|title=Motherwell 1–3 Dundee|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29580114|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 October 2014|access-date=27 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020170726/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29580114|archive-date=20 October 2014|url-status=dead}} His goal celebration against Motherwell went viral after he performed a wrestling move on teammate Jim McAlister, which met with approval from professional wrestler Randy Orton.{{cite news|title=WWE star Randy Orton tweets approval of Dundee's 'RKO out of nowhere' celebration|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/randy-orton-tweets-approval-of-dundees-rko-out-of-nowhere-celebration-9804617.html|work=The Independent|date=19 October 2014|access-date=27 June 2015}} In a follow–up match against Hamilton Academical, Harkins set up two goals, in a 2–0 win.{{cite news|title=Dundee 2 Hamilton Accies 0: Dark Blues beat league leaders|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/122298/dundee-2-hamilton-accies-0-dark-blues-beat-league-leaders/|website=The Courier|date=25 October 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, in the return against Hamilton Academical, on 13 December 2014, he received a red card after a second bookable offense, in a 2–1 loss against Hamilton Academical.{{cite news|title=Hamilton Accies 2 Dundee 1 : Dark Blues beaten with Harkins red carded at the death|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/141667/hamilton-accies-2-dundee-1-dark-blues-beaten-with-harkins-red-carded-at-the-death/|publisher=The Courier|date=13 December 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}} After serving a one match suspension, Harkins returned to the first team, coming on as a 68th-minute substitute, in a 3–1 loss against St Mirren on 27 December 2014.{{cite news|title=Dundee boss hoping for better news to compensate for Gary Harkins' suspension|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/141833/dundee-boss-hoping-for-better-news-to-compensate-for-gary-harkins-suspension/|website=The Courier|date=17 December 2014|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dundee-1-st-mirren-3-4887961|title=Dundee 1 St Mirren 3: Paisley men welcome rare win bonus that pays for Christmas pressies|website=Daily Record|date=29 December 2014|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104183911/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dundee-1-st-mirren-3-488796|archive-date=4 January 2015|url-status=live}} A month later, on 17 January 2015, he scored his third goal of the season in a 3–3 draw against Aberdeen.{{cite news|title=Aberdeen 3–3 Dundee|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30758162|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 January 2015|access-date=27 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121060200/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30758162|archive-date=21 January 2015|url-status=dead}} However, during a match against St Mirren on 24 January 2015, Harkins suffered both head and shin injuries and was substituted in the 65th minute, as the Dens won 2–1.{{cite news|title=St Mirren 1 Dundee 2: Dark Blues extend unbeaten run|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/126822/st-mirren-1-dundee-2-dark-blues-extend-unbeaten-run/|website=The Courier|date=24 January 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}} After missing two matches, he made his return to the starting line–up against Partick Thistle on 14 February 2015 and set up the goal for Paul McGowan to score at the last minute, in a 1–0 win.{{cite news|title=Dundee's Iain Davidson ruled out for at least two weeks|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-s-iain-davidson-ruled-out-for-at-least-two-weeks-1.810439|publisher=The Courier|date=28 January 2015|access-date=27 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128145351/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-s-iain-davidson-ruled-out-for-at-least-two-weeks-1.810439|archive-date=28 January 2015|url-status=dead}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 1 Partick 0: Dark Blues into top six with last-gasp win|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/103138/dundee-1-partick-0-dark-blues-into-top-six-with-last-gasp-win/|website=The Courier|date=14 February 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, his return was short–lived when Harkins suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss eight matches.{{cite news|title=Dundee's Jim McAlister recovering after hernia operation|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-s-jim-mcalister-recovering-after-hernia-operation-1.850402|publisher=The Courier|date=13 March 2015|access-date=27 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314073638/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-s-jim-mcalister-recovering-after-hernia-operation-1.850402|archive-date=14 March 2015|url-status=dead}} It wasn’t until on 9 May 2015 when he made his return to the first team, coming on as a 82nd-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32561725|title=Dundee 0–1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle|website=BBC Sport|date=9 May 2015|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510235458/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32561725|archive-date=10 May 2015|url-status=dead}} At the end of the 2014–15 season, Harkins made thirty–one appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.
At the start of the 2015–16 season, Harkins set up two goals in the first five league matches of the season.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock 0 Dundee 4: Two-goal Stewart runs the show as Killie boss Locke comes under fire|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13524626.kilmarnock-0-dundee-4-two-goal-stewart-runs-show-killie-boss-locke-comes-fire/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=2 August 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee United 2 Dundee 2: Derby ends in dramatic fashion as visitors get a draw|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/13588620.dundee-united-2-dundee-2-derby-ends-in-dramatic-fashion-as-visitors-get-a-draw/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=11 August 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, in a match against Aberdeen, on 22 August 2015, he received a straight red card in the last minute of the game for fouling Adam Rooney in the penalty box, as Dundee loss 2–0.{{cite news|title=Aberdeen 2 Dundee 0: Adam Rooney at the double to beat Dark Blues|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/63709/aberdeen-2-dundee-0-adam-rooney-at-the-double-to-beat-dark-blues/|website=The Courier|date=22 August 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}} After serving a one match suspension, Harkins made his return to the starting line–up, in a 1–0 win against Partick Thistle on 12 September 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34160629|title=Partick Thistle 0–1 Dundee|website=BBC Sport|date=12 September 2015|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914163122/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34160629|archive-date=14 September 2015|url-status=dead}} However, by October, he soon lost his place in the starting line–up and was placed on the substitute bench.{{cite news|title=Invernes CT 1 Dundee 1|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13928425.invernes-ct-1-dundee-1/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=31 October 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Talking Football: Debating the Dundee derby|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/120469/talking-football-debating-the-dundee-derby/|website=The Courier|date=17 March 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} By December, Harkins soon worked his way back to the starting eleven.{{cite news|title=Talking Football: Still no reason for Dens panic|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/253909/talking-football-still-no-reason-for-dens-panic/|website=The Courier|date=17 December 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee boss Paul Hartley has no issues with under-fire ref Willie Collum for Celtic showdown|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/14170879.dundee-boss-paul-hartley-has-no-issues-with-under-fire-ref-willie-collum-for-celtic-showdown/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=29 December 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee derby: Dark Blues striker will bust a gut for derby win but hopes United beat the drop|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/120630/dundee-derby-dark-blues-striker-will-bust-a-gut-for-derby-win-but-hopes-united-beat-the-drop/|website=The Courier|date=19 March 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} He scored his first goal of the season, in a 3–1 loss against Motherwell on 12 December 2015.{{cite news|title=Motherwell 3 Dundee 1|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14141978.motherwell-3-dundee-1/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=12 December 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}} A month later, on 16 January 2016, Harkins scored a brace and set up two goals, in a 4–2 win against Partick Thistle.{{cite news|title=Partick Thistle 2 Dundee 4: Harkins runs the show as Dee brush Thistle aside|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14209897.partick-thistle-2-dundee-4-harkins-runs-show-dee-brush-thistle-aside/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=16 January 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} Ten days later, on 26 January 2016, he scored his third goal of the season, in a 3–1 win against Falkirk in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.{{cite news|title=Dundee 3 Falkirk 1: Dark Blues make it pleasant viewing for boss Paul Hartley|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/230799/dundee-3-falkirk-1-dark-blues-make-it-pleasant-viewing-for-boss-paul-hartley/|website=The Courier|date=26 January 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins then became a captain for the Dens for a number of matches in absent of James McPake.{{cite news|title=Dundee can cope without Thomson, says newboy O'Dea|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/251084/dundee-can-cope-without-thomson-says-newboy-odea/|website=The Courier|date=18 January 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Scott McDonald: TV pal's criticism won't make Motherwell complacent|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14241551.scott-mcdonald-tv-pals-criticism-wont-make-motherwell-complacent/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=29 January 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 5 Dumbarton 0: Dark Blues cruise into next round of the cup to face Rangers|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/231228/dundee-5-dumbarton-0-dark-blues-cruise-into-next-round-of-the-cup-to-face-rangers/|website=The Courier|date=23 February 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 19 February 2016, Dundee opted to take up their option of a two year contract extension that would ensure his stay at the Dens.{{cite news|title=Big boost for Dundee as Gary Harkins extends deal at Dens|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/100313/big-boost-for-dundee-as-gary-harkins-extends-deal-at-dens/|website=The Courier|date=19 February 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 21 February 2016, in a buildup to a match against Rangers in the quarter–finals of the Scottish Cup, Harkins made a comment about the opposition team, calling them “the new Rangers”.{{cite news|title=Stalemate puts Dundee's Gary Harkins in mood for 'new team' Rangers|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14292202.stalemate-puts-dundees-gary-harkins-mood-new-team-rangers/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=21 February 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} This led him receiving warnings from manager Paul Hartley over his comment.{{cite news|title=Dundee boss Paul Hartley will speak to Gary Harkins over Rangers remarks|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14294221.dundee-boss-paul-hartley-will-speak-gary-harkins-rangers-remarks/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=22 February 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Hartley reckons his captain can handle any Ibrox hostility|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14296947.hartley-reckons-captain-can-handle-ibrox-hostility/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=23 February 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee's Paul Hartley backs Gary Harkins for warm Ibrox welcome after 'new club' comments|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/14297961.dundees-paul-hartley-backs-gary-harkins-for-warm-ibrox-welcome-after-new-club-comments/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=24 February 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} He said the comment was meant to be a joke.{{cite news|title=Dundee's Gary Harkins insists Rangers "new club" claim was "just a wee joke"|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/237434/dundees-gary-harkins-insists-rangers-new-club-claim-was-just-a-wee-joke/|website=The Courier|date=22 February 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, Harkins started as captain and was booed by Rangers’ supporters throughout the match, as Dundee loss 4–0 and was out of the Scottish Cup.{{cite news|title=Rangers 4-0 Dundee: Mark Warburton's side clinch Scottish Cup semi-final spot|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/14323984.rangers-4-0-dundee-mark-warburtons-side-clinch-scottish-cup-semi-final-spot/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=5 March 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Rangers send out a message with trouncing of Dundee|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14324239.rangers-send-message-trouncing-dundee/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=5 March 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}} After serving a one match suspension, he returned to the first team, coming on as a 62nd-minute substitute, in a 0–0 draw against Celtic on 5 April 2016.{{cite news|title=Dundee 0 Celtic 0: Determined Dark Blues secure deserved draw at Dens|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/100195/dundee-0-celtic-0-determined-dark-blues-secure-deserved-draw-at-dens/|website=The Courier|date=5 April 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} In a follow–up match, Harkins scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Hamilton Academical.{{cite news|title=Hamilton 2 Dundee 1|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14416964.hamilton-2-dundee-1/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=9 April 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, he suffered ankle injury that saw him out for the rest of the 2015–16 season.{{cite news|title=Season over for Dundee duo Paul McGowan and Gary Harkins|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/167467/season-dundee-duo-paul-mcgowan-gary-harkins/|website=The Courier|date=6 May 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} At the end of the 2015–16 season, Harkins made thirty–five appearances and scoring five times in all competitions.
However, the start of the 2016–17 season saw Harkins find his first team opportunities at Dundee limited, having fallen out of favour with Paul Hartley.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins denies dressing room bust-up|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/142417/gary-harkins-denies-dressing-room-bust-up/|website=The Courier|date=24 January 2015|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins told he can leave Dundee FC|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/223246/gary-harkins-told-can-leave-dundee-fc/|website=The Courier|date=14 July 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=COMMENT: Sad to see duo depart Dens|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/269644/comment-sad-to-see-duo-depart-dens/|website=The Courier|date=13 August 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} This caused him to train with the Dens’ youth team.{{cite news|title=Dundee's Gary Harkins now training with youth team|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/226241/dundees-gary-harkins/|website=The Courier|date=23 July 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}}
=Ayr United=
On 12 August 2016, it was confirmed that Harkins had signed a two-year contract as a player/coach with newly promoted Scottish Championship club Ayr United.{{cite news|title=Gary Harkins signs|url=http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/gary-harkins-signs/|publisher=Ayr United FC|date=12 August 2016|access-date=12 August 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813094514/http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/gary-harkins-signs/|archive-date=13 August 2016|url-status=dead}}
He made his debut for the club, starting the whole game, and set up a goal, in a 4–1 loss against Queen of the South in the opening game of the season.{{cite news|title=Queen of the South 4 - 1 Ayr: Dobbie on target for Queens|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/queen-of-the-south-4-1-ayr-dobbie-on-target-for-queens-1469867|website=The Scotsman|date=13 August 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} Since joining Ayr United, Harkins became a first team regular, playing in the midfield position.{{cite news|title=Dundee old boy Gary Harkins expects usual reception at Tannadice|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/270392/dundee-old-boy-gary-harkins-expects-usual-reception-tannadice/|website=The Courier|date=16 August 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} Despite not being fit for the match against Greenock Morton on 12 September 2016, he started the match nevertheless and set up a goal, in a 2–1 win.{{cite news|title=McCall praises his Ayr side after they defeat Morton|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/14737015.mccall-praises-his-ayr-side-after-they-defeat-morton/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=12 September 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins then scored his first goal for the club, in a 1–0 win against Falkirk in the last 16 of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/ayr-utd-1-falkirk-0/|title=Ayr Utd 1 Falkirk 0|website=Ayr United F.C.|date=10 October 2016|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010220820/http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk/ayr-utd-1-falkirk-0/|archive-date=10 October 2016|url-status=dead}} This was followed up by setting up two goals for Alan Forrest, who went on to score a hat–trick, in a 3–0 win against Dumbarton on 15 October 2016.{{cite web|url=https://ayrunitedfc.co.uk/dumbarton-0-ayr-united-3/|title=Dumbarton 0 Ayr United 3|website=Ayr United F.C.|date=15 October 2016|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921102955/https://ayrunitedfc.co.uk/dumbarton-0-ayr-united-3/|archive-date=21 September 2020|url-status=dead}} He scored two more goals by the end of 2016, coming against Raith Rovers and Dumbarton.{{cite news|title=Honest Men boss it at Stark's Park but only get a point|url=https://www.ayradvertiser.com/sport/14922816.honest-men-boss-it-at-starks-park-but-only-get-a-point/|website=Ayr Advertiser|date=23 November 2016|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/dundee-united-come-behind-beat-9511239|title=Dundee United come from behind to beat St Mirren and go top of the Championship - SPFL round-up|website=Daily Record|date=24 December 2016|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215145527/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/dundee-united-come-behind-beat-9511239|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live}} In the second half of the season, Harkins scored three goals, scoring against Falkirk in two separate matches, and Dundee United.{{cite news|title=Falkirk 1 Ayr United 1: Peter Houston frustrated with sloppy Bairns|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/15024343.falkirk-1-ayr-united-1-peter-houston-frustrated-sloppy-bairns/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=14 January 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Honest Men lose out to Falkirk|url=https://www.ayradvertiser.com/sport/15160595.honest-men-lose-out-to-falkirk/|website=Ayr Advertiser|date=16 March 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Ayr United beaten by Arabs|url=https://www.ayradvertiser.com/sport/15188695.ayr-united-beaten-by-arabs/|website=Ayr Advertiser|date=29 March 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, Greenock Morton was relegated to Scottish League One after losing 2–1 against Raith Rovers on the last game of the season.{{cite news|title=Loss at Stark's Park consigns Ayr to League One|url=https://www.ayradvertiser.com/news/15282393.ayr-relegated-raith-defeat/|website=Ayr Advertiser|date=11 May 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}} At the end of the 2016–17 season, Harkins made forty appearances and scoring six times in all competitions.
=Greenock Morton=
Having negotiated a release from his contract at Ayr United after only a year, in June 2017 Harkins subsequently signed a one-year deal for Scottish Championship side, Greenock Morton on 7 June 2017.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/gary-harkins-joins-morton/|title=Gary Harkins joins Morton|first=Jonathan|last=Mitchell|publisher=Greenock Morton FC|date=7 June 2017|access-date=7 June 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927084106/https://gmfc.net/gary-harkins-joins-morton/|archive-date=27 September 2023|url-status=live}}
{{cite news|title=Homecoming for Harkins as Morton snap up experienced playmaker|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/15333528.homecoming-for-harkins-as-morton-snap-up-experienced-playmaker/|website=Greenock Telegraph|date=7 June 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}}
He made his debut for the club, starting a match and played 66 minutes before being substituted, in a 1–0 win against Berwick Rangers in the group stage of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-berwick-0-1-morton|title=Match Report: Berwick 0-1 Morton|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=15 July 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206151126/https://gmfc.net/match-report-berwick-0-1-morton/|archive-date=6 December 2023|url-status=live}} In a follow-up match against Queen’s Park, Harkins scored the winning penalty after the match ended in a 2–2 draw.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-2-2-queens-pk-4-2-pens/|title=Match Report: Morton 2-2 Queen's Pk (4-2 pens)|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=19 July 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921175945/https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-2-2-queens-pk-4-2-pens/|archive-date=21 September 2023|url-status=live}}
{{cite news|title=Morton midfielder Harkins stays young at heart|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/15423318.morton-midfielder-harkins-stays-young-at-heart/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=21 July 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}} However, in a match against Motherwell, he received a straight red card for a foul on Craig Tanner, as Greenock Morton loss 4–0.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-motherwell-4-0-morton/|title=Match Report: Motherwell 4-0 Morton|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=22 July 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201074118/https://gmfc.net/match-report-motherwell-4-0-morton/|archive-date=1 December 2023|url-status=live}} After serving a two match suspension, Harkins made his return to the first team, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute, in a 4–1 win against St Mirren.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/suspension-update-harkins-to-miss-two-matches/|title=SUSPENSION UPDATE: Harkins to miss two matches|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=26 July 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530104749/https://gmfc.net/suspension-update-harkins-to-miss-two-matches/|archive-date=30 May 2024|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-4-1-st-mirren/|title=Match Report: Morton 4-1 St Mirren|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=12 August 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927074948/https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-4-1-st-mirren/|archive-date=27 September 2023|url-status=live}} Since returning from suspension, he became a first team regular for the club, playing in the midfield position.{{cite news|title=Connor learns to grind out results at Morton|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/15589087.connor-learns-to-grind-out-results-at-morton/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=12 October 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=First goal can lift Morton striker Oliver's confidence|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/15651041.first-goal-can-lift-morton-striker-olivers-confidence/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=10 November 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/in-form-harkins-happy-to-be-playing-his-part/|title=In-form Harkins happy to be playing his part|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=6 December 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206140044/https://gmfc.net/in-form-harkins-happy-to-be-playing-his-part/|archive-date=6 December 2023|url-status=live}}
{{cite news|title=Morton defender O'Ware praises team's work-rate|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/16047881.morton-defender-oware-praises-teams-work-rate/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=28 February 2018|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Morton boss Duffy: 'Draw against Livingston felt like a defeat'|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/16085836.morton-boss-duffy-draw-livingston-felt-like-defeat/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=15 March 2018|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 9 September 2017, Harkins scored his first goal for Greenock Morton, scoring a free –kick, in a 3–2 win against Dunfermline Athletic.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-3-2-dunfermline/|title=Match Report: Morton 3-2 Dunfermline|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=9 September 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206144735/https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-3-2-dunfermline/|archive-date=6 December 2023|url-status=live}}
{{cite news|title=Morton midfielder knew his free-kick was going in against Dunfermline|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/15531911.morton-midfielder-knew-his-free-kick-was-going-in-against-dunfermline/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=14 September 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}} He later scored five more goals for the club by the end of 2017.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-st-mirren-2-2-morton/|title=Match Report: St Mirren 2-2 Morton|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=28 October 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206134528/https://gmfc.net/match-report-st-mirren-2-2-morton/|archive-date=6 December 2023|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-1-2-queen-of-the-south/|title=Match Report: Morton 1-2 Queen of the South|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=4 November 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206144511/https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-1-2-queen-of-the-south/|archive-date=6 December 2023|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-falkirk-0-3-morton/|title=Match Report: Falkirk 0-3 Morton|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=25 November 2023|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003104600/https://gmfc.net/match-report-falkirk-0-3-morton/|archive-date=3 October 2023|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-4-1-brechin-city/|title=Match Report: Morton 4-1 Brechin City|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=3 December 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927004254/https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-4-1-brechin-city/|archive-date=27 September 2023|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-1-0-inverness-c-t/|title=Match Report: Morton 1-0 Inverness C.T.|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=23 December 2017|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003003959/https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-1-0-inverness-c-t/|archive-date=3 October 2023|url-status=live}} Harkins then scored two more goals for Greenock Morton in the second half of the season.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-inverness-c-t-0-2-morton/|title=Match Report: Inverness C.T. 0-2 Morton|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=24 February 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305102703/https://gmfc.net/match-report-inverness-c-t-0-2-morton/|archive-date=5 March 2024|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-falkirk-3-1-morton/|title=Match Report: Falkirk 3-1 Morton|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=10 March 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928205122/https://gmfc.net/match-report-falkirk-3-1-morton/|archive-date=28 September 2023|url-status=live}} After missing one match due to a knock, he returned to the starting line–up, in a 1–1 draw against Dundee United on 31 March 2018.{{cite news|title=Morton striker on road to recovery|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/16098899.morton-striker-road-recovery/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=21 March 2018|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-1-1-dundee-united-2/|title=Match Report: Morton 1-1 Dundee United|website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=1 April 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004011325/https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-1-1-dundee-united-2/|archive-date=4 October 2023|url-status=live}} On the last game of the season, Harkins captained the club, starting the whole game, in a 3–1 loss against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.{{cite web|url=https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-0-3-inverness-c-t/|title=Match Report: Morton 0-3 Inverness C.T. |website=Greenock Morton F.C.|date=28 April 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302123911/https://gmfc.net/match-report-morton-0-3-inverness-c-t/|archive-date=2 March 2024|url-status=live}} At the end of the 2017–18 season, he made forty–one appearances and scoring eight times in all competitions for Greenock Morton.
=Queen of the South=
On 9 May 2018, Harkins signed for Dumfries club Queen of the South, initially on a one-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/news-4021|title=Gary Harkins Signs|publisher=Queen of the South F.C.|date=9 May 2018|access-date=9 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510050431/http://www.qosfc.com/news-4021|archive-date=10 May 2018|url-status=live}}
He scored on his debut for the club, as well as, setting up two goals, in a 5–3 win against Stranraer in the group stage of the Scottish League Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/match-1855|title=Match Report: Queen of the South 5–3 Stranraer|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=14 July 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221920/http://www.qosfc.com/match-1855|archive-date=14 July 2018|url-status=live}} Harkins then set up three goals in the first three league matches of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.qosfc.com/match-1859|title=Match Report: Greenock Morton 2–2 Queen of the South|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=4 August 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20180805115908/https://www.qosfc.com/match-1859|archive-date=5 August 2018|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/match-1860|title=Match Report: Queen of the South 1–2 Dundee United|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=11 August 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20180812114849/http://www.qosfc.com/match-1860|archive-date=12 August 2018|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/match-1861|title=Falkirk 0–3 Queen of the South|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=25 August 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20180826183047/http://www.qosfc.com/match-1861|archive-date=26 August 2018|url-status=live}} He scored two goals in two matches between 1 September 2018 and 8 September 2018 against Ayr United and Crusaders.{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/match-1862|title=Queen of the South 5–0 Ayr United|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=1 September 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20180902160502/http://www.qosfc.com/match-1862|archive-date=2 September 2018|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/match-1907|title=Queen of the South 4–3 Crusaders|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=8 September 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20180909205032/http://www.qosfc.com/match-1907|archive-date=9 September 2018|url-status=live}} However, Harkins suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Alloa Athletic on 6 October 2018 and was substituted in the 58th minute.{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/match-1867|title=Queen of the South 3–3 Alloa Athletic|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=6 October 2019|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20181011054949/http://www.qosfc.com/match-1867|archive-date=11 October 2018|url-status=live}} After the match, it was announced that he would be out for two matches.{{cite news|title=Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson urges caution despite encouraging start to his reign|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-united/755155/dundee-united-boss-robbie-neilson-urges-caution-despite-encouraging-start-to-his-reign/|website=The Courier|date=31 October 2018|access-date=3 March 2025}} But he made his return from injury, coming on as a 73rd-minute substitute, in a 2–0 loss against Dundee United on 3 November 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/match-1871|title=Dundee United 2–0 Queen of the South|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=3 November 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20200929102522/http://www.qosfc.com/match-1871|archive-date=29 September 2020|url-status=live}} However, Harkins missed two matches for Queen of the South in two separate occasions.{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/match-1875|title=Ross County 1–1 Queen of the South|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=8 December 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20200930083921/http://www.qosfc.com/match-1875|archive-date=30 September 2020|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=http://qosfc.com/match-1877|title=Alloa Athletic 2–0 Queen of the South|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=22 December 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20200929054617/http://qosfc.com/match-1877|archive-date=29 September 2020|url-status=live}} On 24 December 2018, he was released from his contract at the Doonhamers, after intimating that he no longer wanted to play for the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/news-4261|title=Gary Harkins|website=Queen of the South F.C.|date=24 December 2018|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20200929001735/http://www.qosfc.com/news-4261|archive-date=29 September 2020|url-status=live}} By the time Harkins left Queen of the South, he made twenty appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.
=Partick Thistle (second spell)=
Harkins signed for Partick Thistle for a second spell on an 18-month contract on 27 December 2018, three days after leaving Queen of the South.{{Cite web|url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-news/signing-news-gary-harkins-returns-to-maryhill/|title=Signing News: Gary Harkins returns to Maryhill|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228082804/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-news/signing-news-gary-harkins-returns-to-maryhill/|archive-date=28 December 2018|url-status=live}}
He made his debut for the club, starting the match and played 65 minutes before being substituted, in a 1–1 draw against Dundee United on 5 January 2019.{{cite web|url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-report/dundee-united-v-partick-thistle-5th-january-2019/|title=Dundee United v Partick Thistle – 5th January 2019|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=5 January 2019|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526015438/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-report/dundee-united-v-partick-thistle-5th-january-2019/|archive-date=26 May 2022|url-status=live}} In a follow–up match against Falkirk, Harkins received a red card for a second bookable offence, in a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-report/partick-thistle-v-falkirk-12th-january-2019/|title=Partick Thistle v Falkirk – 12th January 2019|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=12 January 2019|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528220559/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-report/partick-thistle-v-falkirk-12th-january-2019/|archive-date=28 May 2022|url-status=live}} After serving a one match suspension, he made his return to the first team, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute, in a 2–1 win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 2 February 2019.{{cite web|url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-report/inverness-ct-v-partick-thistle-2nd-february-2019/|title=Inverness CT v Partick Thistle – 2nd February 2019|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=2 February 2019|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720094649/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-report/inverness-ct-v-partick-thistle-2nd-february-2019/|archive-date=20 July 2024|url-status=live}} Harkins remained in the first team for Partick Thistle for the rest of the 2018–19 season. At the end of the 2018–19 season, he made sixteen appearances in all competitions.
At the start of the 2019–20 season, however, Harkins suffered ankle injury that required surgery.{{cite web|url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-preview/managers-preview-airdrieonians-12th-july-2019/|title=Manager's Preview: Airdrieonians – 12th July 2019|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=12 July 2019|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713180223/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-preview/managers-preview-airdrieonians-12th-july-2019/|archive-date=13 July 2019|url-status=live}}
{{cite web|url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-preview/managers-preview-hamilton-accies-20th-july-2019/|title=Manager's Preview: Hamilton Accies – 20th July 2019|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=20 July 2019|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522143841/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-match-preview/managers-preview-hamilton-accies-20th-july-2019/|archive-date=22 May 2022|url-status=live}} He made his first appearance of the season, coming on as a 77th-minute substitute, in a 3–1 win against his former club, Dundee on 19 October 2019.{{cite web|url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/match/partick-thistle-championship/|title=Dundee Vs Partick Thistle|website=Dundee F.C.|date=19 October 2019|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729083329/https://dundeefc.co.uk/match/partick-thistle-championship/|archive-date=29 July 2021|url-status=live}} A month later, on 16 November 2019, Harkins scored his first goal in his second spell at the Jags in a 4–1 win away at Stenhousemuir in the quarter final of the Scottish Challenge Cup.{{cite news|title=Stenhousemuir 1-4 Partick: Warriors give Jags a scare before McCall's men go through|url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/stenhousemuir-1-4-partick-warriors-give-jags-a-scare-before-mccalls-men-go-through-1107283|website=The Falkirk Herald|date=16 November 2019|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 29 January 2020, he was released by the club, becoming a free agent.{{cite web|url=https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-news/gary-harkins-leaves-the-club/|title=Gary Harkins leaves the club|website=Partick Thistle F.C.|date=29 January 2020|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302111907/https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-news/gary-harkins-leaves-the-club/|archive-date=2 March 2025|url-status=live}} By the time Harkins left Partick Thistle, he made twelve appearances and scoring once in all competitions.
=Stenhousemuir=
On 7 February 2020, Harkins signed a contract until the end of the 2019–20 season with League Two side Stenhousemuir.{{cite web|url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/warriors-snap-up-harkins|title=WARRIORS SNAP UP HARKINS|publisher=SPFL|date=7 February 2020|access-date=7 February 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207142849/https://spfl.co.uk/news/warriors-snap-up-harkins|archive-date=7 February 2020|url-status=live}}
He made his debut for the club, starting the whole game and set up the equalising goal, in a 2–2 draw against Cowdenbeath on 8 February 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/stenhousemuir-2-2-cowdenbeath-1393724|title=Stenhousemuir 2–2 Cowdenbeath|website=The Falkirk Herald|date=8 February 2020|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624115522/https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/stenhousemuir-2-2-cowdenbeath-1393724|archive-date=24 June 2021|url-status=live}} However, Harkins received a red card in the 80th minute, in a 3–0 loss against Cove Rangers on 29 February 2020, in what turns out to be the last appearance for Stenhousemuir.{{cite web|url=https://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/match/stenhousemuir-vs-cove-rangers-3/|title=Stenhousemuir vs Cove Rangers|website=Stenhousemuir F.C.|date=29 February 2020|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20241116232857/https://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/match/stenhousemuir-vs-cove-rangers-3/|archive-date=16 November 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/gary-harkins-on-going-out-with-a-bang-and-why-its-time-to-retire-2897211|title=Gary Harkins on going out with a bang and why it's time to retire|website=The Scotsman|date=28 June 2020|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519133341/https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/gary-harkins-on-going-out-with-a-bang-and-why-its-time-to-retire-2897211|archive-date=19 May 2022|url-status=live}} The season was curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the club finishing eighth place.{{cite news|title=EXCLUSIVE: Former Dundee captain Gary Harkins insists Dark Blues should be a top-six Premiership club|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/1246204/dundee-fc-gary-harkins-premiership/|website=The Courier|date=6 April 2020|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52297066|title=Dundee Utd, Raith & Cove win titles & reconstruction talks start after Dundee vote|website=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|date=15 April 2020|access-date=15 April 2020}}
On 10 June 2020, Harkins announced his retirement from playing via Twitter.{{Cite web|last=Harkins|first=Gary|date=10 June 2020|title=Been a pleasure|url=https://twitter.com/garyharkins1985/status/1270720412825968640|access-date=10 June 2020|website=Twitter}}
{{cite news|title=Dundee 'Deefiant' hero Gary Harkins reveals he has hung up his boots after career spanning nearly two decades|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/1365971/dundee-fc-gary-harkins-retirement/|website=The Courier|date=10 June 2020|access-date=3 March 2025}} The next day, Stenhousemuir confirmed his departure from the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/2020/06/12/players-departing-6/|title=PLAYERS DEPARTING THE WARRIORS|website=Stenhousemuir F.C.|date=12 June 2020|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612085634/https://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/2020/06/12/players-departing-6/|archive-date=12 June 2020|url-status=live}}
=Gartcairn Juniors=
Just over 3 weeks after announcing his retirement, Harkins returned to football after signing a deal to play with Gartcairn F. A. Juniors in the newly established West of Scotland Football League.{{Cite web|last=Pirie|first=Mark|date=3 July 2020|title=Gary Harkins shock retirement U-turn as seventh tier Gartcairn complete incredible deal|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/gary-harkins-shock-retirement-u-22298148|access-date=3 July 2020|website=Daily Record}} In December 2020, Harkins would leave Gartcairn without having played a competitive game for the club.{{Cite web|last=Pirie|first=Mark|date=2 December 2020|title=Gary Harkins walks away from non-league Gartcairn without playing a game|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/gary-harkins-walks-away-non-23099040|access-date=28 January 2023|website=Daily Record|language=en}}
Coaching career
Harkins said that he would like to move to coaching once his playing career comes to an end.{{cite news|title=EXCLUSIVE: Gary Harkins on coming of age at Dundee, leaving Celtic for Blackburn, his biggest influence and possibility of coaching career|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/1288042/dundee-fc-celtic-gary-harkins-blackburn-rovers/|website=The Courier|date=25 April 2020|access-date=3 March 2025}} Harkins has a UEFA B-licence coaching badge.
=Forfar Athletic=
On 17 June 2021, Harkins was appointed as the first team coach for Scottish League Two side Forfar Athletic underneath manager and former Dundee teammate Gary Irvine, as well as being registered as a player.{{Cite web|date=16 June 2021|title=Gary confirms his Management Team|url=https://forfarathletic.co.uk/item/4528-gary-confirms-his-management-team|access-date=17 June 2021|website=forfarathletic.co.uk|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195946/https://forfarathletic.co.uk/item/4528-gary-confirms-his-management-team|archive-date=24 June 2021|url-status=live}}
On 13 July 2021, he made his debut for the club, coming on as 77th-minute substitute, against Montrose in the group stage of the Scottish League Cup and scored in a shootout to win 5–4 following a 0–0 draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.forfarathletic.co.uk/fixtures-and-reports/new-match-reports-and-fixtures/item/4562-forfar-athletic-0-montrose-0-forfar-won-5-4-on-penalties-the-bonus-point-1314|title=Forfar Athletic 0 Montrose 0 (Forfar won 5-4 on penalties & the bonus point)|website=Forfar Athletic F.C.|date=13 July 2021|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121200329/https://www.forfarathletic.co.uk/fixtures-and-reports/new-match-reports-and-fixtures/item/4562-forfar-athletic-0-montrose-0-forfar-won-5-4-on-penalties-the-bonus-point-1314|archive-date=21 January 2022|url-status=live}} Harkins often appear in the first team, due to Forfar Athletic’s lack of available players.{{cite web|url=https://www.forfarathletic.co.uk/fixtures-and-reports/new-match-reports-and-fixtures/item/4581-annan-athletic-0-forfar-athletic-2-1274|title=Annan Athletic 0 Forfar Athletic 2|website=Forfar Athletic F.C.|date=31 July 2021|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924180808/https://forfarathletic.co.uk/fixtures-and-reports/new-match-reports-and-fixtures/item/4581-annan-athletic-0-forfar-athletic-2-1274|archive-date=24 September 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Gary Irvine hails Gary Harkins influence as he aims to bring out the Dundee 'Jeebsy' at Forfar|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/3236621/gary-irvine-harkins-influence-dundee-jeebsy-forfar/|website=The Courier|date=27 April 2022|access-date=3 March 2025}} In the absence of manager Irvine, he stood for him for the match against Kelty Hearts on 19 February 2022 and helped the club win 1–0.{{cite web|url=https://www.forfarathletic.co.uk/fixtures-and-reports/new-match-reports-and-fixtures/item/4823-forfar-athletic-1-kelty-hearts-0-1299|title=Forfar Athletic 1 Kelty Hearts 0|website=Forfar Athletic F.C.|date=19 February 2022|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817165545/https://www.forfarathletic.co.uk/fixtures-and-reports/new-match-reports-and-fixtures/item/4823-forfar-athletic-1-kelty-hearts-0-1299|archive-date=17 August 2022|url-status=live}}
Following Scott Robertson's departure from the Loons on 14 June 2022, Harkins was also named as player-assistant manager.{{cite web|last=Inglis|first=Scott|url=https://www.anguscountyworld.co.uk/sport/football/international/scott-robertson-departs-forfar-athletic-3731254|title=Scott Robertson departs Forfar Athletic|website=Angus Country World|language=en-GB|date= 14 June 2022|access-date=11 November 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328064748/https://www.anguscountyworld.co.uk/sport/football/international/scott-robertson-departs-forfar-athletic-3731254|archive-date=28 March 2024|url-status=live}} Four days later, on 18 June 2022, he also registered as a player for the club once again.{{cite news|title=Gary Irvine ready to pull on boots once more as Forfar boss targets League Two title|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/3405126/gary-irvine-forfar-targets-league-two-title/|website=The Courier|date=18 June 2022|access-date=3 March 2025}} On 11 November 2022, following the sacking of Irvine and the hiring of new manager Ray McKinnon, Forfar announced that Harkins had departed the club.{{Cite web|last=Lorimer|first=Scott|title=Forfar Athletic confirm departure of Gary Harkins after managerial shake-up|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/dundee-fc/3875623/forfar-athletic-departure-gary-harkins/|access-date=11 November 2022|website=The Courier|date=11 November 2022 |language=en-GB}}
= Kilbirnie Ladeside =
On 6 December 2022, Harkins joined West of Scotland Football League First Division club Kilbirnie Ladeside as a player-coach under manager Shaun Dillon.{{Cite web|date=6 December 2022|title=Familiar face to return to Kilbirnie dugout after Tommy Molloy resigns as manager|url=https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/23172281.kilbirnie-ladeside-appoint-shaun-dillon-manager-molloy-departs/|access-date=26 July 2024|website=Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald|language=en}}
=Glenafton Athletic=
On 4 September 2023, Harkins joined West of Scotland Football League Premier Division club Glenafton Athletic as player-assistant manager under manager Mark Roberts.{{Cite web |date=4 September 2023 |title=@GlenaftonAJFC on X: "⚽️{{!}} NEW ASSISTANT MANAGER"|url=https://x.com/GlenaftonAJFC/status/1698683590517624859|access-date=26 July 2024|website=x.com}}{{cite web|url=https://glenaftonfc.com/2023/09/09/glenafton-0-gartcairn-1/|title=Glenafton 0 Gartcairn 1|website=Glenafton Athletic F.C.|date=9 September 2023|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302151414/https://glenaftonfc.com/2023/09/09/glenafton-0-gartcairn-1/|archive-date=2 March 2025|url-status=live}}
On 9 September 2023, he made his debut for the cub, coming on as a 60th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss against Gartcairn F. A. Juniors. On 21 October 2023, Harkins scored his first goal for Glenafton Athletic, in a 7–2 win against Dalry Thistle.{{cite web|url=https://glenaftonfc.com/2023/10/21/dalry-2-glenafton-7/|title=Dalry 2 Glenafton 7|website=Glenafton Athletic F.C.|date=21 October 2023|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030001806/https://glenaftonfc.com/2023/10/21/dalry-2-glenafton-7/|archive-date=30 October 2023|url-status=live}} On 9 November 2023, Harkins and Roberts left Glenafton by mutual agreement after having made 3 appearances and scored 1 goal.{{Cite web|last=flowgently|date=19 November 2023|title=Manager Mark Roberts Departs|url=https://glenaftonfc.com/2023/11/19/manager-mark-roberts-departs/|access-date=26 July 2024|website=Glenafton Athletic|language=en|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726010543/https://glenaftonfc.com/2023/11/19/manager-mark-roberts-departs/|archive-date=26 July 2024|url-status=live}}
{{Cite web|date=12 September 2023|title=Squad: Gary Harkins|url=https://glenaftonfc.com/former-players/squad-gary-harkins/|access-date=26 July 2024|website=Glenafton Athletic|language=en}}
Personal life
Born in Greenock, Harkins attended St Columba's High School, Gourock, where he played in a wide variety of positions and for various teams before signing for Blackburn Rovers.{{cite news|title=Dundee FC's Gary Harkins doesn't mind stick from Greenock boo boys|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22757284 |first=Paul |last=Barnes |publisher=BBC|website=BBC Sport|date=3 June 2013|access-date=7 February 2020}}
{{cite news|title=Harkins hopes to be a local hero for Morton|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/15336014.harkins-hopes-to-be-a-local-hero-for-morton/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=9 June 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}}
His brother, Paul is also a footballer, playing in Scottish League Two for Elgin City.{{cite news|title=Tussle of Harkins' is serious|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/12810458.tussle-of-harkins-is-serious/|website=The Glasgow Times|date=22 August 2008|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Cappielow to host Auld Enemy clash|url=https://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/sport/15128933.cappielow-to-host-auld-enemy-clash/|website=The Greenock Telegraph|date=3 March 2017|access-date=3 March 2025}} In 2012, after a scan for ligament damage, Gary revealed that doctors had told him he had been playing with a broken ankle for four years.{{cite news|title=Kilmarnock star Gary Harkins: Docs told me I have been playing with a broken ankle.. for four years|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/kilmarnock-star-gary-harkins-docs-1114287|work=Daily Record|date=19 January 2012|access-date=9 July 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109194318/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/kilmarnock-star-gary-harkins-docs-1114287|archive-date=9 November 2013|url-status=live}}
During his playing career, Harkins earned a nickname Zizou by his team-mates due to a perceived resemblance to Zinedine Zidane.{{cite news|title=HARKINS IS ZZ TOP FOR KILLIE|url=https://www.irvinetimes.com/sport/13742227.harkins-is-zz-top-for-killie/|website=The Irvine Times|date=7 December 2011|access-date=3 March 2025}}
{{cite news|title=Creative spark is just as bright despite summer exodus|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13033227.creative-spark-just-bright-despite-summer-exodus/|website=The Herald Scotland|date=18 July 2012|access-date=3 March 2025}} He is married and together they have one daughter.
Career statistics
{{updated|match played 5 November 2022}}{{soccerway|gary-harkins/2697}}
Honours
Dundee
- Scottish Challenge Cup: 2010
- Dundee Hall of Fame: 2024 Modern Heroes Award{{cite web|url=https://dundeefc.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/2024-gary-harkins-modern-heroes-award/|title=2024 Gary Harkins Modern Heroes Award|website=Dundee F.C.|access-date=3 March 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302194641/https://dundeefc.co.uk/club/history/hall-of-fame/2024-gary-harkins-modern-heroes-award/|archive-date=2 March 2025|url-status=live}}
Kilmarnock
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{Dundee F.C. Hall of Fame}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Harkins, Gary}}
Category:Footballers from Greenock
Category:Scottish men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:English Football League players
Category:Blackburn Rovers F.C. players
Category:Huddersfield Town A.F.C. players
Category:Blackpool F.C. players
Category:Grimsby Town F.C. players
Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players
Category:Scottish Football League players
Category:Partick Thistle F.C. players
Category:Kilmarnock F.C. players
Category:West of Scotland Football League players
Category:St Mirren F.C. players
Category:Ayr United F.C. players
Category:Greenock Morton F.C. players
Category:Queen of the South F.C. players
Category:Stenhousemuir F.C. players
Category:Scottish Premier League players
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:Gartcairn F. A. Juniors players
Category:Forfar Athletic F.C. non-playing staff
Category:Forfar Athletic F.C. players
Category:Scottish football coaches
Category:Kilbirnie Ladeside F.C. players