Frank McAvennie chats to Peter Martin about his early football career at St Mirren, West Ham United and Celtic. McAvennie also talks about his partying lifestyle, shooting to fame on Wogan and meeting Hollywood icons.

Frank McAvennie Straight Talk Highlights:

00:00 Intro - Frank McAvennie
03:30 Playing for St Mirren
11:01 Signing for West Ham United
18:05 Playing for West Ham United
21:53 Frank McAvennie Wogan
29:50 Second season at West Ham United
32:12 Frank McAvennie Celtic
36:36 Paul McStay Celtic
37:52 Rangers FC 2-2 Celtic FC (1987)
44:48 Celtic 2-1 Dundee United Scottish Cup Final 1988
49:34 Celtic contract dispute


Frank McAvennie's football career is a tale of resilience, talent, and an indomitable spirit. His journey began humbly in the Scottish Junior League, playing for the 200 Club in Kirkintilloch. His performance caught the eye of scouts, leading him to Johnstone Burgh for a modest £500. However, his early career wasn't smooth sailing. A trial with Partick Thistle ended in disappointment, as manager Bertie Auld doubted his potential. His trials with the British Army and a stint as a road sweeper were further detours on his path to professional football.

McAvennie's turning point came in 1980 when he joined St Mirren at the age of 20. His league debut in the 1981-82 season was memorable, scoring two goals in a 4-3 victory over Airdrieonians. His prowess as a midfielder was recognized when he was named the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year in 1982. Over five years, he made 135 league appearances for St Mirren, netting 48 goals.

His performance in Scotland didn't go unnoticed in England. In the summer of 1985, after declining an offer from Luton Town, McAvennie signed with West Ham United for £340,000. His debut for West Ham was a 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City, but he quickly made his mark by scoring two goals in his second game. Initially an attacking midfielder, an injury to teammate Paul Goddard saw him repositioned as a striker, a role he excelled in, scoring 26 league goals in his first season and helping West Ham to their highest league finish at the time.

McAvennie's football success catapulted him into the limelight, leading to appearances on popular TV shows like BBC's Wogan. However, his career took a hit due to the ban on English clubs in European competitions following the Heysel disaster. His next season with West Ham was less fruitful, scoring only seven league goals.

In 1987, McAvennie moved to Celtic for a record fee of £750,000. His time at Celtic was marked by highs and lows. He was involved in an on-field altercation in an Old Firm game, but he also played a pivotal role in Celtic's Scottish Premier Division and Scottish Cup double in 1987-88. His return to West Ham in 1989 was marred by injuries and off-field controversies, including an addiction to cocaine.

Despite these challenges, McAvennie remained a significant figure on the field. His second stint at West Ham was notable, although not as successful as the first. Injuries plagued his career, but he continued to demonstrate his scoring ability when fit. His return to Celtic in 1993 saw him regain form, scoring nine goals in 19 league games.

The latter part of McAvennie's career saw him venture to Aston Villa and then to international clubs like Cliftonville and South China, before returning to the UK. His final professional years were spent with Partick Thistle and a return to St Mirren, where he retired at 35.

Internationally, McAvennie made his mark with Scotland, scoring in his debut against Australia in a World Cup qualifying play-off. He was part of the 1986 World Cup squad and earned five caps for Scotland.

Off the field, McAvennie was known for a lifestyle that mirrored the stereotypical football playboy. His life was not without controversy, facing legal challenges and financial difficulties post-retirement. His story reflects the highs and lows of a football career, marked by remarkable talent and personal challenges. Frank McAvennie remains a notable figure in Scottish and English football history, embodying the spirit of a player who overcame numerous obstacles to leave a lasting impact on the game

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