[3] In July 1972, García Cuervo was transferred to fellow top tier side Burgos CF,[4] but was only a backup during his two seasons at the club, the first ending in relegation.
He subsequently featured rarely for CE Sabadell FC in the second division,[5] before representing Tercera División sides Real Jaén[6] and Xerez CD and retiring with the latter in 1978, aged 31.
García Cuervo's first managerial experience was in charge of CD San Martín in the fourth division during the 1984–85 campaign, with his side missing out promotion in the play-offs.
After working for Caudal Deportivo and Sporting's reserves, he was named first team manager of the Rojiblancos in October 1989, replacing sacked Jesús Aranguren.
[9] In December 1992, after more than two years without a club, he took over Real Avilés CF in Segunda División B,[10] but returned to Sporting the following April after replacing dismissed Bert Jacobs.