The former Celtic, St Mirren and Scotland striker Frank McGarvey has died aged 66. His family had revealed in October that McGarvey had been diagnosed with cancer. Days later, in his final public appearance, he was given a rousing reception when he appeared on the Celtic Park pitch before a game against Hibernian. He told the crowd: “I want to tell everybody at Parkhead today I love you all.”
McGarvey’s son Sean confirmed his father’s death on social media, tweeting: “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.”
St Mirren tweeted that the club was deeply saddened by the death of one of their most famous former players: “Frank will forever be remembered at St Mirren and our deepest condolences are with Frank’s loved ones at this very sad time.”
At Celtic McGarvey played 245 times and scored 113 times between 1980 and 1985 and is one of 30 players who scored more than 100 goals for the club. He was capped seven times by Scotland. As an iconic striker of the 1980s, with a mop of curly black hair, his pace, close control, ability and bravery made him a constant handful for defenders.
He was signed for St Mirren by Sir Alex Ferguson and made his debut in 1975, his goals proving crucial in their promotion to the Scottish Premier League in 1977.
Advertisement
Bob Paisley took him to Liverpool for £270,000 in 1979 but after a year in which he was unable to break into the first team he returned north of the border to join Celtic for £325,000 and begin what would be the defining years of his career, initially partnering Charlie Nicholas or George McCluskey. In 1984 he became the first player to score 100 goals in the Scottish Premier League era.
There were two league titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup in his five seasons at Celtic and he scored a late winner in the 1985 Scottish Cup final against Dundee United in what would be his last appearance for the club. He rejoined St Mirren and won another Scottish Cup with them in 1987 and subsequently played for Clyde until the age of 38.
In 1990-91 McGarvey had a spell as player/manager at Queen of the South before later working as a joiner. In his 2008 autobiography he revealed that for many years he had a gambling addiction but he had brought it under control.
