Frank McGarvey dies at 66 as tribute paid to Celtic & St Mirren hero after cancer fight as family thank fans for support
CELTIC legend Frank McGarvey has passed away at the age of 66.
The Parkhead hero’s family announced back in October that he had been battling cancer, and now his son Scott has broken the news that his dad had died with his family by his side this morning.
McGarvey became a Celtic legend during the 1980sGetty
Kenny RamsayMcGarvey addressed the Celtic fans at Parkhead before the Hibs match[/caption]
His son Scott wrote on Twitter: “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.”
A few days after McGarvey’s family confirmed that he had received the diagnosis, the former forward was visibly emotional as he was welcomed onto the pitch at Parkhead.
McGarvey thanked fans for their support before Celtic’s Premiership match against Hibs on October 15th.
McGarvey starred in the green and white hoops between 1980 and 1985, making 245 appearances and scoring 113 goals.
He won two Scottish Premier Division titles, enjoying back to back successes in 1981 and 1982.
He was also a Scottish Cup winner on two occasions and won the League Cup once.
Celtic wrote: “Everyone at Celtic is extremely saddened to hear of the death of former striker, Frank McGarvey, who passed away this morning at the age of 66.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Frank’s family at this extremely sad time.
“RIP Frank, YNWA.”
An icon at Celtic, McGarvey is also a St Mirren legend.
It was with the Paisley club that he broke through into senior football, being signed up by Sir Alex Ferguson from junior club Kilsyth Rangers in 1975.
He scored 17 times to help St Mirren to the First Division championship in 1977.
McGarvey’s brilliant form attracted the attention of Liverpool and legendary boss Bob Paisley, and he moved to England for a fee of £270,000.
He was unable to make a first team breakthrough at Anfield and he moved to Celtic ten months later for the same transfer fee.
He was, at the time, Scotland’s most expensive footballer.
McGarvey’s time at Parkhead ended after five seasons and he’s fondly remembered for his final match for the club.
He struck the winner six minutes from time as Celtic came from behind to beat Dundee United at Hampden to win the Scottish Cup Final.
McGarvey would rejoin St Mirren and he enjoyed further trophy success as he won the Scottish Cup again in 1987.
All in, he played almost 400 times for the Buddies and scored 125 times.
They wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Celtic sent a poignant tribute
St Mirren paid tribute to a star who made more than 400 appearances for them
After leaving the Paisley club for the second time in 1990, he went on to play for Queen of the South – where he was player/manager – and Clyde, before finishing his career in the juniors with Shotts Bon Accord and Troon.
Given his international debut by Jock Stein, McGarvey was also capped seven times by Scotland.
His son Scott wrote on Twitter: “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.”
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