He played as a forward for Celtic, Middlesbrough, St Mirren, Partick Thistle, Alloa Athletic, Fraserburgh, Coleraine and Bangor.
[5][6] Fernie became a regular first team player in 1952–53, and set up both of the Celtic goals in their 2–0 win against Hibs in the Coronation Cup Final.
[5][6] Despite this infamous loss, Fernie remained part of the national team and in October 1956 he scored his only Scotland goal, against Wales.
[5] He moved to St Mirren for £3,000 in November 1961 and helped them reach the 1962 Scottish Cup Final, although Rangers won 2–0 at Hampden.
[7] He helped to develop young players at the club, including Kenny Dalglish, Danny McGrain and Davie Hay.
[5] Kilmarnock fell two points short of the league reconstruction cut-off in 1975, but they gained promotion to the new Scottish Premier Division in 1976.