A brief spell at Aston Villa prior to a loan period at Lou Macari's 'Swindle' Town saw our favourite Frank back at Celtic Park for a return period at the Club. Like most players who return to clubs for second spells, the less that is said about this time the better.
This led to unquestionably the lowest point in Frank's life Drugs and crime were to become part of Frank's life and McAvennie was to see himself inevitably linked to both as fame faded and life became harder.
The Scot was famously arrested in 1995 with £100,000 of his own money seized by Customs at Dover who said it was going to fund a major drugs deal. McAvennie supposedly claimed the money was an investment in an expedition to a sunken treasure ship but the judge backed the Customs.
The fallen footballer then stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court in 2000 charged with conspiracy to supply drugs and spent a month on remand at Durham Prison.
Frank has now been turned into a cult hero of sorts by TV programmes such as "Only an Excuse" and "Soccer AM". Frank will always be remembered fondly for his footballing exploits at Celtic, especially his goals in the 87-88 Season.
My own personal fond memory of Frank was his celebration after scoring the winner in the 88 Cup final, the mixture of joy and disbelief mirrored the emotions of every Celtic fan the world over. One gets the impression that if Frank hadn't played for Celtic, he would have been in amongst us in the terracing!
Frank's Celtic career may have been too short, and his off the field antics a little too dubious for him every to be considered a Celtic Legend, but to me he will always be a Celtic Great!
Frank now lives in Gateside with his wife Karen.
Any article on Frank would be incomplete without this particular gem of a quote, that sums up Franks lifestyle and sense of humour in one, most probably true anecdote: -
When asked if he ever received any trouble from Rangers fans "No, they're no problem at all. I'm always treated brilliantly in Glasgow. In fact I was out in a bar up there with a Page 3 girl this one time; short skirt and boobs, the usual. Anyway, this fight broke out and there was beer and glass going everywhere. Frankie Miller, the singer, was with us, but instead of protecting the girl, he dived on top of me to make sure I didn't get hurt! She wasn't best-pleased"
The best Frank quote would have to be this one though, my own personal favourite, when asked on Real Radio if he had ever suffered a Groin Strain, Macca's reply was succinct. "Suffer it?, I made a career out of it".
Frank McAvennie- Once a Bhoy!
Special thanks to Owenybhoy for his contributions
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt