John Ogilvie: 1928-2020
The former left-back, who made 85 appearances for the Foxes between 1955 and 1960, was a key figure at Filbert Street during that time - including as an ever-present in the team that won promotion back to the top-flight as Second Division champions in 1957.
Born in Motherwell, Scotland on 28 October, 1928, Ogilivie made his name during a hugely successful era for Hibernian, as they won three Scottish Championships and his performances attracted a host of admirers, including then Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby.
Ogilive played a key role as part of the Hibernian back line for the 1951 title win, but was to suffer a career-changing leg break during the opening 15 minutes of that year’s Scottish Cup Semi-Final.
It would take two years to recover from the injury, but after trials with Sheffield United, it was Leicester City manager David Halliday who brought him to Filbert Street in October 1955, where he would quickly settle into defensive partnerships with Northern Ireland international Willie Cunningham and later with Stan Milburn.
Ogilvie helped the Foxes consolidate their top-flight status in the following seasons, while cementing a reputation as the chief dressing room joker and one of the most popular figures at the Football Club. He scored his second and last goal for the Foxes from the penalty spot against Portsmouth in his final game for the Club – helping the team avoid relegation in the process.
Following his time with Leicester City, Ogilvie moved to Mansfield Town in January of 1960, before a spell with Bedworth Town two years later from October 1962, after which he returned to Leicester to work in the knitwear and printing trades.
While in Leicester, he would also stay involved with football through Club Ambassador Alan Birchenall’s charity teams as well as achieving a Preliminary FA Coaching Badge in 1975.
The Football Club was pleased to welcome John as a regular guest to King Power Stadium in recent years at home matches – visits that included a presentation of an ‘Ogilvie 90’ shirt to mark his 90th birthday on 27 October, 2018.
The thoughts of everybody at Leicester City Football Club are with John’s family and friends at this difficult time.