Francis Peter McGarvey (17 March 1956 – 1 January 2023) was a prominent Scottish professional footballer celebrated for his role as a forward. His impact on the sport extended through notable contributions to teams such as Celtic and St Mirren, along with representing Scotland in international matches.
Early Years and Football Journey
Born in the vibrant city of Glasgow on 17 March 1956, McGarvey's football journey commenced with Kilsyth Rangers during the 1974–75 season. The season saw him shine as the top scorer, netting an impressive 21 goals.
In a career laden with accomplishments, McGarvey found himself at St Mirren, making his debut on 26 April 1975. He swiftly became a regular in the first team, showcasing his talent by scoring 17 times in the 1976–77 season and contributing to the club's victory in the Scottish First Division.
His exceptional performances captured the attention of the legendary manager Bob Paisley. In May 1979, McGarvey made a significant move to Liverpool for £270,000. However, his time at the club was brief, lasting ten months, as he struggled to secure a spot in the first team.
Seeking more playing time, McGarvey made a pivotal move to Celtic in March 1980, breaking records as Scotland's most expensive footballer for a brief period with a transfer fee of £270,000. During his five-year tenure with Celtic, he made 245 appearances and scored an impressive 113 goals. His remarkable contributions led to two League Championships, two Scottish Cups, and a Scottish League Cup.
In his final appearance for Celtic, McGarvey left an indelible mark by scoring the winning goal in the 1985 Scottish Cup Final, securing victory just six minutes from the end.
After Celtic, McGarvey returned to St Mirren in June 1985 for a transfer fee of £80,000. He went on to achieve further success, winning his third Scottish Cup with the club two years later. Over the course of his career, he played 387 matches for St Mirren and scored 125 goals.
In the latter part of his career, McGarvey continued to make significant contributions to football. He had stints with various clubs, including Queen of the South, Clyde (where he secured a Second Division Championship title at the age of 37), and later played in junior football with Shotts Bon Accord and Troon.
Legacy and Advocacy
Even after retiring from professional football, McGarvey maintained his connection to the sport. In 2009, he found himself embroiled in a controversy related to a UEFA Europa League tie between Celtic and Rapid Vienna of Austria. This match came 25 years after a contentious Cup Winners' Cup game at Celtic Park, where a Rapid Vienna player claimed to have been struck by a bottle thrown by a Celtic fan. McGarvey advocated for Rapid Vienna to issue an apology, viewing the incident as disrespectful and detrimental to the competition's spirit.
Personal Life and Passing
In October 2022, McGarvey's family shared the unfortunate news of his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. Tragically, on 1 January 2023, at the age of 66, Francis Peter McGarvey passed away. His son confirmed his passing on social media, marking the end of an era in Scottish football. McGarvey's impact on the sport continues to be remembered and celebrated, leaving an everlasting mark on the hearts of football enthusiasts.
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