Number 12 in our countdown takes us back to one of the most gifted inside forwards ever to grace Sincil Bank, a player whose craft and vision helped define an entire era of excitement in the early fifties.
Johnny Garvie formed a lethal partnership with Andy Graver, and is a forward whose movement, touch and eye for goal made him one of the most entertaining performers the club has seen, returning 0.42 goals per game across a remarkable six-year spell.
Johnny Garvie (0.42)
Johnny Garvie was born in Bellshill in 1927 and first made his name with Bellshill Athletic before joining Preston North End in 1949. His opportunities at Deepdale were limited during a period of transition, but his sharp footwork, ability to carry the ball and instinct for a rising drive were impossible to ignore. Lincoln City manager Bill Anderson sensed the potential and brought him to Sincil Bank in the summer of 1950, a decision that helped shape one of the club’s most vibrant attacking eras.
Garvie made an immediate impact. He scored 21 goals in his first season and delivered a series of standout performances, including a hat trick against Accrington and braces against Mansfield, New Brighton and Southport. Crowds climbed steadily as City pushed forward with a renewed attacking identity and Garvie became the creative heartbeat of a team on the rise. His balance, close control and ability to slip Graver into space made him a natural favourite on the terraces.
The 1951-52 campaign cemented his status. Lincoln stormed to the Division Three North title, driven by the combined force of Garvie and Graver, who scored 55 league goals between them. Garvie’s 21-goal contribution included braces against Chesterfield and Stockport before record-breaking crowds poured through the Sincil Bank turnstiles. More than 21,000 witnessed the FA Cup win against Grimsby, and similar numbers flocked to league fixtures as the G Force became one of the most feared partnerships outside the top flight.
The move into Division Two brought new challenges, but Garvie adjusted quickly. He scored 10 goals in 1952-53, including a brace against Bury, during a season that saw Lincoln record some of the highest gates in the club’s history. More than 22,000 watched the visit of Huddersfield, and similarly large attendances for games against Forest, Blackburn and Doncaster illustrated the scale of excitement around Anderson’s side. Garvie remained integral, providing creativity that allowed City to stay competitive in a physically demanding division.
Injury restricted him to 13 appearances in 1953-54, although he still produced 10 goals, including a hat trick against Fulham. The following campaign showcased his resilience. Garvie scored 13 goals, among them braces against Liverpool and Rotherham, and added a crucial strike at Anfield in a memorable 4-2 win that silenced more than 30,000 home supporters. It was a defining moment in a career filled with flashes of brilliance.
Garvie’s final season in 1955-56 brought a further 5 goals in 26 appearances as Lincoln climbed to eighth in Division Two. He left for Carlisle United in April 1956, scoring 6 times in 25 appearances, before returning to Lincolnshire for spells with Boston United, Corby Town, Stamford and Ilkeston. He remained fondly remembered locally and maintained a strong connection with the area long after his playing days.
Johnny Garvie died in January 1996 at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy built on intelligence, flair and an enduring contribution to one of the most exciting teams in Lincoln City history.
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