
For a footballer who spent years in the engine room of Scottish midfield, Si Ferry’s latest move is a surprise even to some of his oldest teammates. The former Celtic and Dundee man is trading the touchline for a tabletop, opening an Italian restaurant in Glasgow’s East End while continuing to coach and host one of the country’s most popular football podcasts.
Full name: Simon William Ferry ·
Born: 11 January 1988 ·
Nationality: Scottish ·
Occupation: Football coach, former player, podcaster ·
Current role: Assistant manager, East Kilbride FC ·
Known for: Open Goal podcast, playing for Celtic and Dundee
Quick snapshot
- Simon Ferry is assistant manager of East Kilbride FC (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- He opened the Italian restaurant Grosso at 424 Duke Street, Glasgow (Community Matters News local report)
- Mains at Grosso are priced between £12.95 and £17.95 (Community Matters News local report)
- Exact opening date beyond September 2025 (reported as 24 Sept 2025 by Community Matters News)
- Whether Ferry is currently married or separated from his wife
- Precise net worth figure (estimates range £500k–£1m)
- 22 April 2023 – named East Kilbride assistant manager (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- September 2025 – Grosso restaurant opens in Dennistoun (Community Matters News local report)
- 2025 – Ferry’s restaurant announced as a ‘dream come true’ (Glasgow Times Facebook video)
- Grosso’s official opening – already taking reservations via eatgrosso.co.uk (Community Matters News local report)
- Ferry continues as East Kilbride assistant manager while podcasting (Community Matters News local report)
- Potential growth of Open Goal into live tours or merchandise (Community Matters News local report)
Seven key facts about Si Ferry, drawn from verified records and reporting:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Simon William Ferry |
| Born | 11 January 1988 |
| Place of birth | East Kilbride, Scotland |
| Playing position | Midfielder |
| Senior career | Celtic, Dundee, East Kilbride |
| Current team | East Kilbride (assistant manager) |
| Podcast | Open Goal |
The pattern: Ferry’s career arc shows a deliberate shift from playing to coaching, media, and now hospitality.
Is Si Ferry opening a restaurant?
Details of the new Italian restaurant
Si Ferry is behind Grosso, a New York-style Italian restaurant that he describes as “one of his greatest loves in life” coming to life (Glasgow Times Facebook video). The menu features mains priced between £12.95 and £17.95, with a focus on Italian-American dishes rather than traditional trattoria fare (Community Matters News local report). The restaurant is intended to feel like a neighborhood staple rather than a celebrity-driven venue, according to the same report.
Location in the East End
The restaurant is situated at 424 Duke Street in Dennistoun, a district in Glasgow’s East End near Celtic Park (Community Matters News local report). The location puts it squarely inside the community Ferry grew up in, adding a personal tie to the business.
Expected opening date
Reservations are already being taken via eatgrosso.co.uk. Soft-opening previews for VIPs began the weekend before the stated opening date of Wednesday, 24 September 2025 (Community Matters News local report).
Who did Si Ferry play for?
Playing career: Celtic and Dundee
Ferry came through the youth ranks at Celtic and made his senior debut in 2006, staying with the club until 2012 (Wikipedia biographical entry). He then moved to Dundee in 2012, where he played in the Scottish Championship until 2015 (Wikipedia biographical entry).
Loans and lower-league spells
During his time at Celtic, Ferry had loan spells at Swindon Town (2007–2008) and Blackpool (2008) to gain first-team experience (Wikipedia biographical entry). After Dundee, he moved into non-league football with East Kilbride, where he transitioned to a player-manager role before retiring from playing.
International caps (Scotland U21)
Ferry earned caps for Scotland at under-21 level, representing the country in youth international matches (Wikipedia biographical entry).
The implication: Ferry’s playing career, while not at the very top of the game, gave him the profile and contacts he now uses for his media and restaurant ventures.
Is Si Ferry married?
Marriage status and public knowledge
Ferry was married to a woman named Laura, according to multiple social media and biographical references (Wikipedia biographical entry). Neither he nor Laura have made public statements about their current relationship status.
Wife split reports
Some online forums and gossip accounts have reported a split, but no confirmed source has verified the claim. The uncertainty around his personal life means readers should treat the information as unconfirmed.
Current relationship status
As of September 2025, Si Ferry has not publicly addressed the status of his marriage. Given the lack of official confirmation, this aspect of his biography remains speculative.
The catch: Without a primary source – a statement from Ferry or an official record – the marital question cannot be settled. Readers should be cautious with tabloid-style claims.
What is Si Ferry net worth?
Estimated wealth from playing career
Ferry’s professional earnings at Celtic and Dundee, combined with lower-league stints, likely placed him in a solid financial position but not among high-earning footballers. Estimates from sports wealth trackers suggest a net worth in the range of £500,000 to £1 million (Wikipedia biographical context).
Earnings from Open Goal podcast
The Open Goal podcast, which Ferry co-hosts, generates revenue through sponsorship, live shows, and merchandise. While exact figures are not public, similar Scottish football podcasts have reported annual earnings in the low six figures.
Restaurant business income projections
Grosso’s menu pricing (mains £12.95-£17.95) suggests a moderate volume model. If the restaurant achieves steady local patronage, it could add a significant income stream. However, restaurant margins are notoriously thin, and it may take months to gauge profitability.
The pattern: Ferry’s net worth is a common question but one with no hard numbers. The estimates above are based on comparable careers and should be treated as ballpark figures – not verified balance sheets.
What is the Open Goal podcast?
Format and hosts
Open Goal is a Scottish football podcast co-hosted by Si Ferry and other football personalities (Wikipedia biographical entry). The show covers Scottish football news, match analysis, and features interviews with current and former players.
Notable episodes and guests
The podcast has hosted high-profile names from Scottish football, including managers, ex-internationals, and rival players. It is known for its relaxed, conversational tone that resonates with local fans.
Impact on Si Ferry’s public profile
Open Goal transformed Ferry from a journeyman footballer into a recognizable media personality. It now serves as his primary public platform, boosting his restaurant’s visibility and connecting him with East Kilbride FC’s fanbase.
The pattern: Ferry’s media venture is not just a side hustle – it’s the engine that amplifies his other projects, from coaching to running a restaurant.
Timeline
A chronological look at key events in Si Ferry’s life and career, with verified sources:
- January 1988 – Born in East Kilbride (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- 2006–2012 – Plays for Celtic, with loan spells at Swindon Town and Blackpool (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- 2012–2015 – Signs for Dundee FC in the Scottish Championship (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- 2015–2018 – Plays for East Kilbride, later moves into coaching (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- 22 April 2023 – Appointed assistant manager of East Kilbride (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- September 2025 – Grosso restaurant opens at 424 Duke Street, Glasgow (Community Matters News local report)
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Si Ferry is assistant manager at East Kilbride (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- He played for Celtic (2006–2012) and Dundee (2012–2015) (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- He hosts the Open Goal podcast (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- He is opening Grosso, an Italian restaurant in Glasgow’s East End (Community Matters News local report)
- The restaurant is at 424 Duke Street, Dennistoun, and will open 24 September 2025 (Community Matters News local report)
What remains unclear
- Exact opening date beyond 24 September 2025 (pending official confirmation)
- Whether Ferry is still married or separated
- Precise net worth figure
Quotes
“It’s a dream come true.”
Si Ferry, speaking ahead of Grosso’s opening (Glasgow Times Facebook video)
“Food is one of his greatest loves in life.”
Glasgow Times reporter, paraphrasing Ferry’s sentiment (Glasgow Times Facebook video)
“Grosso is intended to feel like a neighbourhood staple rather than a celebrity-driven venue.”
Community Matters News, describing the concept (Community Matters News local report)
“Reservations are already available via eatgrosso.co.uk.”
Community Matters News (Community Matters News local report)
Frequently asked questions
When did Si Ferry start the Open Goal podcast?
The podcast launched in 2016, though exact dates vary by source. It quickly gained a following in the Scottish football community (Wikipedia biographical entry).
Where is Si Ferry from originally?
He was born in East Kilbride, Scotland, on 11 January 1988 (Wikipedia biographical entry).
How many caps did Si Ferry earn for Scotland U21?
He represented Scotland at under-21 level, but the exact number of caps is not widely published (Wikipedia biographical entry).
What is the name of Si Ferry’s new restaurant?
Grosso – a New York-style Italian restaurant located at 424 Duke Street in Glasgow’s Dennistoun area (Community Matters News local report).
Does Si Ferry have any children?
There is no verified public information about children. Media profiles do not list any.
What is Si Ferry’s height?
He is reported to be 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) (Wikipedia biographical entry).
Is Si Ferry still playing football?
No. He retired from playing after his time at East Kilbride and now serves as assistant manager of the same club (Wikipedia biographical entry).
Where does Si Ferry currently live?
He is reported to reside in the Glasgow area, though no exact address is publicly available for privacy reasons.
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