Flashback Macca had last laugh on the pitch
Frank McAvennie as a footballer is sometimes overlooked for his off-field antics that have always been well-documented in the press.
Perhaps best remembered for his time with Celtic or down south with West Ham United – Macca was also a star for Saints at the beginning – and end – of an illustrious career which could have perhaps been even better.
Always one to happily serve a reminder to any interviewer that he had too starred for the Buddies, McAvennie remains a legend among the Saints having never shied away from the fact that he revelled in his time in Paisley.
His career took off in the late 70s, having pulled on his boots for local junior side Johnstone Burgh, despite admitting that he wasn’t always interested in actually playing for the Keanie Park side.
But he was a hit nonetheless, despite being told that he wasn’t good enough to make the grade following a brief trial with Partick Thistle.
However, one setback wasn’t going to stop Macca in his tracks and he kept bursting the net for the Burgh.
That quickly caught the attention of then St Mirren manager Jim Clunie, who soon saw the potential in the skinny, permed, whippet of a striker. He was snapped up and from there a star was born.
McAvennie would stay at Saints for five seasons, during which time he played almost 150 competitive games and scored just shy of 50 goals, including two on his debut against Airdrie.
The awards were forthcoming, as was the attention, and he would go on to be named Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year in 1982.
Three years later, he clinched a big-money move to West Ham United. With a £340,000 transfer fee on his head, Macca scored twice in his second match – against QPR – and went on to become a big favourite in the East End of London.
He joined Celtic in 1987 but moved back to Upton Park two years later, before playing for five teams in 1992. Macca started off with the Hammers and also played for Aston Villa, Cliftonville, South China and Celtic (again).
After all that, he finished his playing days back at his first love ... the Buddies
LEGEND
St Mirren FC is a club with a proud tradition — and a history to match. They have been at the centre of the Scottish game since their formation in 1877.
Today, we look back at the career of Frank McAvennie, who made almost 150 appearances for Saints.