The football world paid its respects to ex-Celtic and St Mirren legend Frank McGarvey after he passed away this morning at the age of 66. Former players, ex-teammates, the Scottish Football Association and the striker's clubs hailed the 66-year-old, who won a host of trophies in his career, after he lost his brave fight against pancreatic cancer.
The striker, who was born in Glasgow, became a fans' favourite at several clubs, due to the number and importance of his goals. And a number of famous faces paid their respects to the doting dad after his death was announced by his family this morning.
McGarvey earned seven caps for Scotland during his 18-year professional career, which saw him having two spells with St Mirren, and the SFA said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frank McGarvey. The former striker lifted the Scottish Cup with both Celtic and St Mirren, and was capped seven times by Scotland. The thoughts of everyone at the Scottish FA are with his family and friends."
Former teammate and manager Tony Fitzpatrick, 66, also hailed his old pal. They played together in both their two spells with the club, winning the 1987 Scottish Cup, after McGarvey scored the winner against the semi-final against Hearts.
Fitzpatrick became Buddies' manager in 1988, with McGarvey serving as player/assistant manager under him until 1990. He Tweeted: "Devastating news this morning! After a long tough battle my very good friend Frank McGarvey has passed away. He will be a great loss to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family. May He rest in peace. God bless."
McGarvey was inducted into the St Mirren Hall of Fame in May 2005, after scoring 102 goals in his 341 appearances for the Paisley side across his two spells at the club.
The club said: "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."
McGarvey left the club to sign for Queen of the South as player/manager in 1990. A statement from the Dumfries club read: "Everyone at Queen of the South was saddened to learn today of the death of our former manager Frank McGarvey. He was player/manager at Queen of the South from July 1990 to March 1991.
"A spell which included a memorable run to the last eight of the then Skol Cup (Scottish League Cup) and an unfortunate 2-1 loss away to Celtic. He also took a significant part in turning Andy Thomson from a youth prospect into a first team regular.
"After leaving Palmerston he returned to playing with Clyde. He won a 2nd division title before finishing his career in Junior football with first Shotts Bon Accord and then Troon Juniors. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace."
McGarvey had signed for Liverpool in 1979 but struggled to break into the first team and moved to Celtic. And the English side said: "Rest in peace, Frank McGarvey. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Frank’s family and friends at this difficult time."
His move to Celtic saw him become Scotland's most expensive player. A number of the Parkhead side's former players also paid their respects today.
Chris Sutton said: "Really sad news to hear of Frank McGarvey passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to Frank’s family." Simon Donnelly posted: "Sad news , only met Frank in recent times, funny guy with a big heart".
John Hartson said: "Rest In Peace Frank Mcgarvey.. thoughts are with the Mcgarvey family and close friends at this sad time". And former Rangers and Dundee United playmaker Charlie Miller said: "Sad day to hear the passing of Frank McGarvey. Great guy, thoughts with his family. RIP Frank.".
McGarvey's son Sean had earlier announced his father's tragic death. He tweeted: "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 statement from Celtic said: "Everyone at Celtic is extremely saddened to hear of the death of former striker, Frank McGarvey, who passed away earlier 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."
McGarvey played for Clyde from 1991 to 1993. Clyde said: "All at the club were saddened to learn of the passing of Frank McGarvey Frank joined Clyde in January 1992, scored 22 goals in 54 appearances. He was top scorer in our 1992/93 Second Division championship winning team Our thoughts and condolences go to Frank's family and friends."
He finished his career with junior sides Shotts Bon Accord and Troon Juniors. The North Lanarkshire side posted: "Shotts Bon Accord is immensely saddened to announce the passing of former player Frank McGarvey."
And the Ayrshire club said on Twitter: "It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of our former player Frank McGarvey, who passed away early this morning. Our thoughts & condolences are with his friends and family at this incredibly sad time."
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