Paisley-born Garvey stayed at Leicester for just over four years but he could only muster 15 league appearances during that time, and one in the FA Cup.

Starting his career with Corby Town, he played for clubs including Queens Park Rangers and Northampton Town before he became a Fox in June 1946. He had been with the Royal Artillery unit in the Isle of White, and playing for Brentford reserves, in the year before his arrival.

He could play left-half or inside-left but numerous knee injuries thwarted his progress and restricted his games before he moved on to Corby for a second spell. He helped them enjoy a successful season in their inaugural campaign in the Midland League and finished his career locally with Hinckley Athletic.