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Fullname: Francis Peter McGarvey
aka: Frank McGarvey, Francis McGarvey
Born: 17 March 1956
Died: 1 January 2023
Birthplace: Easterhouse, Glasgow
Position: Forward
Signed: 11 March 1980
Left: 31 May 1985
Position: Striker
First game: St Mirren home League 2-2, 12 March 1980
Last game: Dundee United Hampden Scottish Cup final 2-1, 18 May 1985
First goal: Hibernian home 4-0 League 29 March 1980
Last goal: Dundee United Hampden Scottish Cup final 2-1, 18 May 1985
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 7
International Goals: 0
Biog
“Just to look at the Celtic end and look at the Celtic fans cheering. When I was a wee boy brought up in Easterhouse I dreamed of those things.”
Frank McGarvey (2022)
Frank McGarvey signed for the Celts in March 1980 from Liverpool for a then Scottish record fee of £250,000 which was a considerable sum at that time. He made his debut one day after signing, at Parkhead, against his former club St Mirren in a 2-2 league draw. There had been media speculation that Celtic had been after his signature for a considerable time although initially in May 1979 they had baulked at meeting St Mirren’s £300,000 transfer fee which was not a problem to the Anfield club.
Frank McGarvey had been the hottest property in Scottish football between 1977 and 1979 as part of Alex Ferguson’s fine young St Mirren side, and he had been a regular thorn in Celtic’s side scoring against them on many occasions.
He had been at Anfield for less than a year, but after failing to settle in England he took a pay cut to end his Merseyside misery. He had actually been the top scorer in the Liverpool reserve team, and their legendary manager Bob Paisley was keen for him to stay. It’s said that Aberdeen offered Frank McGarvey a better offer to go Pittodrie, and Aberdeen manager Alex Ferguson, a notorious bad loser, would not speak to him for many years in view of this.
The Celtic fans were highly delighted at his acquisition, and Frank McGarvey scored his first goal against Hibs on 29th March on the day that George Best turned out for Hibs at Parkhead. Four days later he endeared himself to the Celtic support when he scored a late winner against Rangers in a memorable 1-0 win at Celtic Park. Celtic’s form inexplicably deteriorated in the following weeks and they lost a substantial lead in the league to allow Aberdeen to take the title on the last day of the season, giving Alex Ferguson some revenge.
Rumours abounded at that time that Celtic players were not happy with Frank McGarvey’s high wage in comparison to their own. In any case, he proved his worth and was part of the team that beat Rangers in the 1980 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden, playing well and developing a promising partnership with George McCluskey.
The new season (1980/81) was to be an important one, and Frank McGarvey was not to let Celtic down. He formed a magnificent partnership with Charlie Nicholas and sometimes George McCluskey, and they scored 70 goals between them that season with Frank McGarvey the top scorer on 29. He scored a hat trick against Diosgyoeri Miskolc in the ECWC although he was controversially sent off in the next round against Politechnican Timosoara.
In March 1981 he scored a spectacular hat trick in a 7-0 romp at Parkhead, the pick of the bunch being a goal where he rounded two defenders and although falling, fired a magnificent 25 yard shot into the top corner of the net, receiving a standing ovation on the half time whistle for his efforts. Celtic clinched the title at Tannadice a month later with Frank McGarvey scoring in a 3-2 win. He had now added consistency to his game and was regarded as the most complete forward in the country at this time.
The 1981/82 season again saw him on top form. He scored a contender for goal of the season on 7th November when he curled a shot high past Aberdeen’s Jim Leighton from outside the area. On January 9th at Ibrox Billy McNeill tried the delicate talents of Charlie Nicholas and McCluskey up front with McGarvey on the bench but that partnership was ineffective and Celtic went down meekly by 1-0, without Frank’s stamina and work rate. McNeill later acknowledged his error and from that time Frank was the first choice Celtic striker.
Frank McGarvey was a courageous and determined player and this was never more witnessed than on 3rd March 1982 when he scored a late winner against Morton in front of a paltry Parkhead crowd of 9,000. Celtic had been awarded a penalty late in the game and Morton keeper Roy Baines saved Frank McGarvey’s spot kick, but Frank McGarvey followed through with Baines saving again before the bold Celt eventually bundled the ball home at the third time of asking. It was not pretty but very effective and gave Celtic two much needed points.
However, on 31st March disaster struck when he broke a leg at Tannadice and Celtic were then in big trouble as Charlie Nicholas had also broken a leg six weeks previously, although despite this the Celts won the title again, mainly thanks to George McCluskey’s efforts in attack.
In 1982/83 McGarvey scored 26 goals although this was eclipsed by Nicholas’s total of 48. A media entourage followed Charlie Nicholas that season, particularly after the new year, as he became something of a celebrated figure both in footballing and social terms. However, the morale of the side suffered, and another league was surrendered this time to Dundee United. Charlie Nicholas moved on to the bright lights of London with Arsenal but without Frank McGarvey to do his leg work his career would gradually decline through time. Celtic had the small consolation of thumping Rangers 4-2 at Ibrox in their final league game with Frank McGarvey scoring a typical brave header from a Davie Provan cross.
After Billy McNeill’s acrimonious departure in the summer of 1983, Davie Hay was a surprise appointment as manager. Initially Frank McGarvey was injured and when he returned Hay leaned on his experience heavily. The early signs were encouraging as McGarvey scored spectacular efforts against Aarhuus and Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA cup and also scored in both Old Firm wins in September and November, both by 2-1.
However, by March Frank McGarvey had lost his place to Jim Melrose and although he would win it back it was clear that Davie Hay did not rate McGarvey as high as the supporters did. In 1984, Davie Hay brought Alan McInally and Mo Johnston to Celtic and competition was great for the strikers’ jerseys. Frank McGarvey responded by scoring consistently and Celtic made it through to the 1985 Scottish Cup Final against Dundee United. David Hay’s job had been on the line and when Frank McGarvey scored a dramatic late winner (a diving header) in the final and it looked like a happy future for all.
However, it was a huge shock when 48 hours later Frank McGarvey refused an ‘insult‘ of a new contract and moved to St Mirren for £75,000. It was a bad loss for Celtic as Frank McGarvey had a lot of good football in him, and Mark McGhee was initially regarded by some as a poor replacement for Frank McGarvey, signed a few months later from SV Hamburg.
By then Frank McGarvey had played 245 times for the Bhoys and scored 113 goals. As a Celt he won two league titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup.
On 5th October 1985, Frank McGarvey returned to Celtic Park in St Mirren’s colours and was visibly moved as the huge Celtic support in the Jungle chanted his name for almost the entire ninety minutes. He was cheered on and off the park that day. Indeed, even in the Love Street 1986 game, which is now down in Celtic folklore, the Celtic fans could still be heard chanting “Frank McGarvey is still a Tim” even though there was so much at stake that day for Celtic.
Despite his small frame Frank McGarvey had the heart of a lion and was an excellent leader of the line for Celtic. Despite coming up against defenders who had greater height and weight, Frank McGarvey gave his all for the Celtic cause and was much loved by the Celtic fans. He was an excellent player and had far more skill than he was given credit for even allowing for his unorthodox style. He was also a most unselfish player, and it should be remembered that Charlie Nicholas, George McCluskey and Brian McClair were all top scorers in the Premier League with Frank McGarvey playing alongside them as the common denominator.
Interesting anecdote from Frank McGarvey on the mediocre facilities in Celtic Park during his time at the club:
“We had no gym so… a group of players were doing sit-ups in the foyer of Celtic Park when Desmond White [the chairman] and some businessmen visiting the stadium passed through and had to step over us.”
At St Mirren he helped them win the Scottish Cup in 1987, and then signed for Queen of the South as player/manager in 1990. He moved on to Clyde the following year helping them to win the Scottish Second Division in 1993 before a final stint back in Junior football with Shotts Bon Accord and Troon to wrap up his playing career.
Post-Playing
In 2009, Frank McGarvey released his autobiography, and a bit of an eye opener it was too for outsiders. Veered very much on the side of being incredibly frank about his own life, delving into his gambling demons. Of the many players with the gambling bug, his was amongst the worst and it was in retrospect the root to his personal downfall.
In many ways, gambling took over his life. In his book he admitted that on looking to buy a property his mentality was pushing him to instead spend it on gambling (which he did). He ended up buying a lesser home in time but gambling again took over and he lost it all: his home and his marriage, and he ended up in a “dump of a rented flat with only a mattress for a bed” contemplating suicide.
He did try to tackle his demons and had the strength to regain his self-control becoming a regular member of Gambler’s Anonymous [even whilst a Celtic player]. However, through this he ended up in further trouble when he liaised with a book runner, he met through the meetings which led on to him being banned from William Hill & Ladbrokes. Another ‘character‘ amongst the plenty Celtic have had in the club’s history.
Frank McGarvey became a joiner by trade and as of 2009 he had got his life back under control and was running his own flooring company.
As a player, Frank McGarvey of Celtic will last long in the memory of those who saw him on the field of play. He was still a regular attendee at Celtic Park but now Frank McGarvey was sitting in amongst the supporters just as he did all those years ago when he was a young Bhoy watching Celtic from the Jungle.
In 2022, he was diagnosed with cancer, and after that news was made public, he was made guest of honour at a Celtic match, making a well-deserved & emotional walk onto the pitch at half-time. In a very emotional and heart in the mouth post-match interview, he said:
“Just to say to the Celtic fans, that I love them very much & I want to thank them for everything they’ve done for me.”
He sadly passed away soon after on 1 January 2023.
Quotes & Anecdotes
1) A story apparently told by Frank McGarvey. A ball was played to him out on the touchline beside the jungle , and Frank got it under control and was starting to run up the wing. Someone shouted ‘c’mon frank show’s some o’ yer magic‘ which prompted someone else to shout ‘aye, disappear‘.
2) “David Hay took over as manager when Billy McNeill left, and I always feel I was unfairly treated by him. Although I played well for him, he wanted his own players. I was 29 and wanted to spend the rest of my days at Celtic, but he sold me on, even though the cup final goal made his job a lot safer.”
Frank McGarvey
“Just to look at the Celtic end and look at the Celtic fans cheering. When I was a wee boy brought up in Easterhouse I dreamed of those things.”
“Just to say to the Celtic fans, that I love them very much & I want to thank them for everything they’ve done for me.”
Frank McGarvey (2022)
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1980-85 | 168 | 23 | 36 | 18 | 245 |
| Goals: | 78 | 13 | 14 | 8 | 113 |
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Celtic legend Frank McGarvey raises £4k for food bank by auctioning off prized Hoops jersey
CHRIS MCQUADEhttp://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/celtic-legend-frank-mcgarvey-raises-5725915
THE 59-year-old raised £3800 for Glasgow’s Maryhill Food Bank and other food charities by selling the Hoops top he wore in the 100th Scottish Cup Final in 1985.
CELTIC legend Frank McGarvey has raised nearly £4000 for a food bank – by auctioning off one of his most prized jerseys.
Generous Frank, 59, sold the Hoops top he wore in the 100th Scottish Cup Final in 1985 on Ebay.
And it’s raised £3800 for Glasgow’s Maryhill Food bank and other food charities in the city.
Frank said he was inspired to sell his prized possession after reading an article in the Record about Celtic founder Brother Walfrid’s work with the needy.
The ex-striker said: “Brother Walfrid founded Celtic to feed the hungry and unemployed people of Glasgow in 1887.
“I found it incredible that in 2015 there are still people going hungry and being fed by food banks.
“The top was lying about my house doing nothing and because someone has come along and paid £3800, it means the food banks in Glasgow will be piled high this week, so I’m very happy about that.
“The response it received was unbelievable.
“Brother Walfrid inspired me to do this. It took a lot for me to sell the strip, I have had it for 30 years and it was very important that it went to a good cause.
“There were two people in me, one wanted to keep the strip and one wanted to sell it for a worthy cause.
“I can’t think of a better cause as I think that Glasgow people are very generous and it was important for me to try to keep the money here.”
Proud Frank, who was Scotland’s most expensive footballer for a short time, played 245 times for Celtic over five years, scoring 113 goals.
He netted the winner six minutes from full-time in the 1985 cup final against Dundee United – the 100th final held.
He was sold by the club the following Monday to St Mirren where he had started his illustrious career.
Celtic fan Dominic Shannon bought the strip and said: “I’m over the moon.
The money will be split between Greater Maryhill Foodbank, Drumchapel, Crookston Community and Castlemilk Foodbank.
Hopefully it lifts his spirits – Celtic boss happy Frank McGarvey advice heeded
Oct 2022.
Ange Postecoglou revealed former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey handed out instructions to the Hoops boss ahead of the 6-1 cinch Premiership win over Hibernian at Parkhead.
McGarvey, who also played for St Mirren and Scotland and was on Liverpool’s books for a short period, was given a rousing reception from fans when he made an emotional appearance on the Celtic Park pitch before Saturday’s game to thank Hoops fans for their support in the wake of his cancer diagnosis.
McGarvey’s family revealed the 66-year-old’s plight on social media last week and he told the Hoops fans: “I want to tell everybody at Parkhead today, I love you all.”
After the game, Celtic manager Postecoglou said: “I caught up with Frank and I’ve got a little connection to him, not that he knows.
“I was a Liverpool supporter and when King Kenny (Dalglish) went to Liverpool my allegiances were to both clubs.
“Then when Frank moved from Liverpool to Celtic, I was super-excited as a youngster, I followed his career after that. It was great to see him before the game as well as his kids.
“He’s going through a tough time but to be fair to him, he had some pretty strong words about what I needed to do, which wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who knows Frank to hear, but he made it clear we should score in the first 20 minutes.
“So when we got a couple I was relieved. Hopefully it lifts his spirits but it was great to see him.”
James Forrest put Celtic ahead inside nine minutes before Georgios Giakoumakis added a second in the 18th minute. Forrest went on to complete his hat-trick with Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda completing the Hoops’ scoring late on.
McGarvey’s last game for Celtic was the 1985 Scottish Cup final against Dundee United, where he scored the winner in the 2-1 victory at Hampden Park.
Frank McGarvey: Former Celtic, St Mirren and Scotland forward dies aged 66
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63270990
Frank McGarvey recently appeared at Celtic Park to thank fans for their support
Former Celtic and St Mirren forward Frank McGarvey has died aged 66.
He revealed his cancer diagnosis in October and appeared on the Celtic Park pitch before a game against Hibernian to thank fans for their support.
A native of Glasgow, McGarvey started his career at St Mirren then after a brief spell at Liverpool enjoyed five successful years at Celtic from 1980.
McGarvey, who won seven Scotland caps, returned to St Mirren and later played for Queen of the South and Clyde.
He scored 174 goals from 499 senior league appearances and in a later era would have played many more times for Scotland.
Celtic said in a statement
that McGarvey died in the early hours of New Year’s Day, adding: “The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Frank’s family at this extremely sad time.”
McGarvey helped Celtic claim two league titles and three domestic cups during his period with his boyhood club.
He helped St Mirren to their famous Scottish Cup victory in 1987 during his second spell at the club as well as being a key part of the Buddies team that won the old First Division in 1977 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The striker joined Queen of the South as player-manager in 1990 but stayed for only one season before signing for Clyde for two seasons.
His professional career began in Paisley in 1975 and his goals over the next four years impressed Liverpool sufficiently for the two-time European champions to take him south in May 1979.
However he spent only 10 months at Anfield without making a single appearance for the first team despite continuing his goalscoring form for the reserve side.
David Johnson, who died in November, enjoyed the best season of his career in 1979-80 alongside Kenny Dalglish and with David Fairclough their reserve, the closest the Scotsman got to an appearance was the bench.
Frustrated by his lack of opportunities, McGarvey returned to Scotland with Celtic in March 1980 for a fee of about £270,000, which made him for a short time the country’s most expensive player.
He played 245 times for Celtic, scoring 109 goals, and he is one of 30 players in their history to have scored more than 100 times for the club.
His final goal was the winner six minutes from the end of the 1985 Scottish Cup final – a diving header that beat Dundee United.
That was his final game in a Celtic shirt because manager David Hay decided Maurice Johnston and Brian McClair would be his forward pairing for the following season and declined to offer McGarvey an extended contract.
In his second season back in Paisley, McGarvey’s close-range finish against Heart of Midlothian took St Mirren to the final against Dundee United and he played the full game as Saints won the Scottish Cup 1-0.
McGarvey, who was managed by European Cup winners Ferguson, Bob Paisley and Jock Stein during his senior career, finished his playing days with Shotts Bon Accord and Troon.
Frank McGarvey: Former Celtic, St Mirren and Scotland forward dies after battle with cancer as clubs pay tribute
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/frank-mcgarvey-former-celtic-st-mirren-and-scotland-forward-dies-after-battle-with-cancer-as-clubs-pay-tribute-3971002
Former Celtic, St Mirren and Scotland forward Frank McGarvey has died at the age of 66 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family have announced.
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
McGarvey, who was last year diagnosed with the disease, was capped seven times by Scotland and had a distinguished club career, playing for St Mirren, Celtic, Queen of the South and Clyde. He scored more than a 100 goals during his five-year stint at Parkhead between 1980 and 1985 and had two spells with the Buddies, amassing nearly 300 appearances. He also had a ten-month spell at Liverpool, although he was unable to break into the first team at Anfield. His move back to Scotland for £270,000, a fee that made him briefly the country’s most expensive footballer.
His son Sean announced McGarvey’s death on Twitter, posting: “Our much loved Dad sadly passed away this morning with his family by his side. We are so thankful for all the support we have received over the past few months.”
McGarvey was given a rapturous reception when he appeared on the Celtic Park pitch ahead of a match against Hibs in October. He won two league titles with the club, as well as two Scottish Cups and the League Cup. He is also one of St Mirren’s most legendary players, helping the Buddies win the First Division in 1977 under Alex Ferguson and then lifting the Scottish Cup during his second spell in 1987.
Celtic paid tribute to McGarvey on their website, writing: “Everyone at Celtic is extremely saddened to hear of the death of former striker, Frank McGarvey, who passed away earlier this morning (January 1) at the age of 66. Frank spoke to supporters at Celtic Park ahead of the game against Hibernian back in October to thank them for all their support over the years, and in particular, more recently following the news that he was battling cancer. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Frank’s family at this extremely sad time.”
St Mirren also wrote: “St Mirren Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Frank McGarvey at the age of 66. Frank will forever be remembered at St Mirren and our deepest condolences are with Frank’s loved ones at this very sad time. Rest in peace, Frank.”
FRANK MCGARVEY – AN APPRECIATION
Posted by St Anthony | Jan 1, 2023
FRANK MCGARVEY – AN APPRECIATION
A few years ago I had the privilege of interviewing Frank McGarvey at his son’s home in Kings Park. Frank was a big hero of mine in my teenage years and I was delighted to discover that he was a pleasure to talk to and still had a lot of love for Celtic, even allowing for the considerable time which had surpassed since he was a Celtic player.
It’s easy to forget just how good a player Frank McGarvey was and what he achieved in the game. He was a £250,000 Scottish record transfer record when he joined Celtic from Liverpool in March 1980. In this era of mercenaries in football, it’s interesting to note that Frank actually took a pay cut to join Celtic and that Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen had offered him more in wages to sign for the Dons, but Frank declined his offer to achieve his ambition of playing for Celtic. It was years later before Ferguson would talk to him again.
Frank’s Celtic career wasn’t to start well. The Celts blew a considerable lead to lose their title in the spring of 1980, ironically to Fergie’s Aberdeen, although he obtained a Scottish Cup medal when Celtic beat Rangers in the infamous 1980 Scottish Cup final at Hampden. It was January 1981 before things really finally clicked for Frank at Parkhead. With George McCluskey and John Doyle injured and Bobby Lennox having to retire, Celtic manager Billy McNeill then threw the teenage protégé, Charlie Nicholas, into the attack alongside Frank, with devastating effect. That season Frank outscored Charlie by 29 goals to 28, in what was Celtic’s best strike partnership for many years and another league was won.
McGarvey and Nicholas were the ideal foil for each other. Frank’s energetic and intelligent running up front, was perfectly made for Charlie, with his more polished style and close control. They were the perfect blend. Frank proved what a fine footballer he was by being equally effective in taking on the role of being the main goal scoring striker or by providing the service for his strike partner, such were his capabilities.
Although the McGarvey Nicholas duo was successful, it’s worth noting that Frank also forged equally impressive partnerships with George McCluskey, Brian McClair, and Mo Johnston, during his six seasons at Celtic. Frank was the common denominator in the Celtic attack and Billy McNeill commented as such in January 1982 when he had played Nicholas and McCluskey at Ibrox in a 0-1 defeat. Their playing styles were too similar and Billy stated that Frank’s movement and more physical approach up front would not be overlooked again.
In 1981 I attended a Celtic film show in the Pearce Institute in Govan. I recall my father being taken aback at how slight Frank was. He was smaller up close that he looked on the pitch and it was astonishing that this slight frame went into battle for the Celtic cause every week against such brutes as Tom Forsyth, Gregor Stevens, Craig Paterson and Alex McLeish. Of all the attributes Frank had then perhaps it was his fighting spirit which was the greatest. Like all great Celtic centre forwards, from McGrory to Deans, there was never a lost cause as far they were concerned. As well as prime goal scorers they all had that same fighting spirit in abundance, an attribute in which the best Celtic sides were always built on.
Frank’s style was often described as unorthodox and ungainly and he must have been a nightmare for defenders to play against. Occasionally it was mentioned humorously by his contemporaries that if Frank doesn’t know what he is doing then how could defenders hope to cope with him? But this only serves to detract from Frank’s intelligent footballing brain, making fine runs to create space for team mates and having that positional sense to know where to be on the pitch. He was a hugely astute footballer and was never really given the credit for that.
Frank’s character came to the fore in the 1985 Scottish Cup final to give him his finest moment as a Celt. There were 85 minutes played with the game balanced at 1-1, and the huge Celtic support roaring the team on. Those of us who were there that day will never forget what happened next. Roy Aitken slung over a cross with Frank throwing himself forward to score with a brave header, the ball flying past United’s keeper, Hamish McAlpine. It was a very emotional moment and everyone could see what that goal meant to Frank in the scenes afterwards with him scoring what was the eventual winner. Frank recalled the celebrations that night with the wives of Celtic players offering him particular congratulations. When I enquired why, he explained that the considerable bonus for winning the cup meant for a good family holiday that summer which may not have been affordable otherwise, with Celtic players back then not being particularly highly paid.
Scottish football was stunned only days after the final when Celtic sold Frank to St Mirren for a paltry £75,000. Davie Hay informed Frank that Brian McClair and Mo Johnston were to be his strike partnership for the following season. When Frank made it clear he was willing to stay and fight for his place, Hay informed him that he was also behind Alan McInally in the queue for a place. Frank recalled, in humour, that if big ‘Rambo’ was in front of him for a place then he knew it ‘was time for the off.’ And so a great Celtic career came to an end on such sad circumstances.
In fairness to Hay, he admitted in later years that selling Frank was a mistake. Frank still had a lot of football left in him and he proved this by leading St Mirren to their first Scottish Cup final success since 1959 and taking the Saints into European football. The Celtic supporters were not only shocked at his departure, but disappointed, as they loved his busy, all action style.
Frank McGarvey leaves us many memories. His late winner at Parkhead in his first game against Rangers in April 1980. The tremendous goal against St Mirren when he beat two defenders and lashed the ball home from outside the area in March 1981. The goal at Tannadice in May 1981 which helped clinch the league. And the memorable European goals against DVTK (hat trick), Ajax, Sporting Lisbon, Aarhus, and Ghent (two).
As I said at the start, I interviewed Frank a while back. I asked him if he had any regrets from his time at Celtic and he said he had nothing. He stated that he had given his all and enjoyed every minute of it and he hoped that the fans would remember him fondly. Last month, after Frank’s illness was announced, he made a final emotional appearance in front of the Celtic fans at his beloved Parkhead. They left him in no doubt that day that they remembered him with tremendous affection.
Frank McGarvey faced up to his illness with the same courage and fortitude which he had shown whilst playing for Celtic between 1980 and 1985. He sadly passed away this morning and the thoughts and prayers of all Celtic fans are with the McGarvey family at this difficult time. May God grant them strength.
Rest in peace Frank, you were some man. Thanks for the memories.
Obituary: Frank McGarvey, former Celtic striker who won every major medal in Scotland
https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/obituary-frank-mcgarvey-former-celtic-striker-who-won-every-major-medal-in-scotland-3972291
Frank McGarvey, footballer. Born: 17 March, 1956 in Glasgow. Died: 1 January, 2023 aged 66
By Ronnie Esplin
Not many players get a standing ovation at half-time but Frank McGarvey was among the privileged few – and it was his favourite memory of his time in football.
On March 14, 1981, the former Celtic, St Mirren and Scotland striker – who died aged 66 on New Year’s Day following a battle with pancreatic cancer – had the main stand at Parkhead on its feet and the rest of the then terraced stadium in raptures as he went up the tunnel at the interval after scoring a double of what would become a hat-trick in a 7-0 win over the Buddies.
McGarvey’s second goal, which saw him beat three St Mirren players before driving high into the net from 20 yards, showcased the desire, determination and talent the Hoops fans had come to associate with the Glaswegian following his big-money move from Liverpool the previous year.
“My best moment came in a Premier League win over St Mirren at Parkhead,” he said. “The reception I was given by Celtic fans at half-time will live with me forever.”
By the time he hung up his boots following later spells back at St Mirren and at Queen of the South and Clyde, he had won every major medal in Scotland at the time – Premier League, First Division, Second Division, Scottish Cup and League Cup.
McGarvey was brought up in Easterhouse, the sprawling Glasgow housing scheme, at the height of the city’s gang-fighting activities which had contributed to its famous ‘No Mean City’ tag.
Mary and Eddie McGarvey had three sons – Andrew, Edward and Joseph – before Frank came along on March 17, 1956 in Rottenrow Hospital. A sister, Marie, would soon follow into a typical working-class family.
His “first experience of gambling”, which would go on to become a lifelong battle, came as a kid on a family holiday to Leven when, having been given £1 by his dad to last the week, he frittered it away in an amusement arcade within the hour.
“Since then, a small, unquenchable gambling flame has been alight inside me,” he later wrote in his book.
Alex Ferguson took McGarvey to St Mirren from Junior side Kilsyth Rangers in 1975, and he was encouraged by his new boss to finish his trade as a joiner with Glasgow Corporation.
Slight of build but courageous, determined and unselfish, he was the star striker in a cracking Saints side which won promotion to the top flight in the 1976-77 season.
In 1979, Bob Paisley paid £270,000 to take him to Liverpool, where he joined the Scottish contingent of Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Alan Hansen.
However, in the days of only one substitute, McGarvey lacked the patience to wait for his first-team chance and left ten months later to join his boyhood heroes after knocking back Ferguson, who was then manager of Aberdeen.
Celtic boss Billy McNeill said: “I thought he would be a steal for any club – fearless on the pitch.”
There was a more egalitarian feel to Scottish football at the time and the Old Firm were challenged by the New Firm of Ferguson’s Aberdeen and Jim McLean’s Dundee United.
McGarvey, nevertheless, won two league titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup at Parkhead and his final game for Celtic is the one for which he is best remembered by Hoops fans.
On May 18, 1985, his flashing header from a Roy Aitken cross secured a dramatic 2-1 Scottish Cup final victory over Dundee United at Hampden Park.
Football could be as cruel as it could be kind, though. On the following Monday, manager Davie Hay told him he was surplus to requirements.
McGarvey, then only 29, returned to St Mirren, where he won the Scottish Cup in 1987. After taking his coaching badges that year, he signed for Queen of the South as player/manager in 1990.
He moved to Clyde the following year and helped the Bully Wee win the Scottish Second Division in 1993 before a stint back in Junior football with Shotts Bon Accord and Troon.
His seven caps for Scotland included a late substitute debut against Northern Ireland in 1979 before he chased a young Diego Maradona around Hampden when Argentina visited for a friendly just over a week later.
However, his toughest opponent was always gambling.
In 2007-08, when we collaborated on his book, Totally Frank – The Frank McGarvey Story, he bared his soul. He cried recalling the dark places his life had taken him to at times and the pain he had caused his ex-wife Pauline and their children, Paul, Scott, Sean and Jennifer.
It was his biggest regret. He became estranged from his kids for a time but, happily, subsequently built bridges.
Of course, McGarvey was from a generation of footballers who had to work for a living after playing and he returned to the tools, working mainly in the Glasgow area.
However, he was always a footballer and whether it was a pub, restaurant or coffee shop, invariably older fans would recognise him and engage, which he enjoyed.
As he moved into his 60s, he seemed to be in a good place. Then, in October 2022, came the cancer news.
McGarvey made an appearance on the pitch before Celtic’s home game against Hibernian and struggled with his emotions when he was given a rousing reception by the Hoops fans.
And he was just as pleased with the “extraordinary” reaction to his devastating news from all over Scotland.
He said: “I seen a few messages on the internet from fans of Rangers, Aberdeen, Dundee, St Mirren and others, and getting all those messages from other clubs’ fans has actually been fantastic. Football fans and everyone around me giving me goodwill has really helped me fight this disease.”
However, the man who had stood up to the toughest centre-halves in Scotland and in Europe, could only fight for so long.