Andy Malcolm
Andrew Malcolm | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 4, 1933 Upton Park, London, England |
| Died | December 26, 2013 (aged 80) |
| Occupation | Professional footballer |
| Years active | 1948–1968 |
| Known for | Playing as a wing-half for West Ham United, Chelsea, and Queens Park Rangers |
Andrew Malcolm (4 May 1933 – 26 December 2013) was an English professional football player who operated primarily as a wing-half in the Football League, representing West Ham United, Chelsea, and Queens Park Rangers.
Career
Originating from Upton Park, London, Malcolm joined the ranks of West Ham United in 1948 after completing his education at Dury Falls Secondary School. Alongside his playing duties, he contributed to the club’s administrative office. As captain of England Schoolboys, he became the first West Ham player to be selected for the England Youth side in 1948, playing a key role in England’s triumph at the International Youth Football Association Tournament.
In July 1950, Malcolm signed professional terms with West Ham, receiving a £10 signing-on fee. After nearly a century of reserve team appearances, he debuted for the senior squad in October 1953 and made his Second Division debut two months later. Over the next seasons, he established himself as a regular starter, consistently featuring in West Ham’s line-up.
His importance was underscored during the 1957–58 campaign when he played every league match as West Ham secured the Second Division title and promotion, while also netting his first three goals for the club. That season, Malcolm was honored with the inaugural 'Hammer of the Year' award, reflecting his vital contribution. He maintained an ever-present status in the following season as West Ham achieved a sixth-place finish in the First Division and won the Essex Professional Cup.
In October 1958, Malcolm was selected for the Football League XI to compete against the Scottish League team. His run of 110 consecutive league appearances concluded in January 1960. He scored his last goal for West Ham in November 1960 and played his final match for them in October 1961. With no opportunities under new manager Ron Greenwood, Malcolm transferred to Chelsea for £10,000 plus Ron Tindall as part of the deal.
Malcolm made his Chelsea debut in November 1961 and was soon appointed team captain. During that season, he featured in 27 league games and scored once; however, Chelsea suffered relegation. A disagreement with manager Tommy Docherty resulted in a rejected transfer request, but Malcolm eventually moved to Third Division club Queens Park Rangers for £10,000 in October 1962. Under Alec Stock’s management at QPR, he appeared in 84 league matches before an eye injury jeopardized his playing career.
In 1965, Malcolm moved abroad to South Africa to join Port Elizabeth City and later played for Greek side Westview Apollon. Upon returning to England, he ended his active playing days with Southern League outfit Brentwood Town during the 1967–68 season.
Style of play
Described in the Who's Who of West Ham United as a formidable wing-half, Malcolm was feared by elite inside-forwards such as Johnny Haynes, Jimmy Greaves, and Denis Law due to his close marking and ability to effectively suppress opponents. Renowned for his robust tackling and modest demeanor, he is remembered as one of West Ham’s finest players in that position.
An obituary published by The Independent reinforced this assessment, portraying Malcolm as a relentless enforcer who combined precise passing with subtle skills rarely seen among ball-winning wing-halves during his time.
Life after football
Following his retirement from professional football, Malcolm took up employment with the ice cream manufacturer Lyons before transitioning into the hospitality industry as a publican. Beginning in 1968, he oversaw operations at The Ship and Anchor in Maldon as well as The Lion in Latchingdon, Essex, where he also participated in Sunday league matches alongside customers. In 1986, he relocated to Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Malcolm died at his residence in Port Elizabeth on 26 December 2013. At his funeral, West Ham’s anthem, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, was played as a tribute.
Playing record
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Appearances | Goals | Appearances | Goals | Appearances | Goals | Appearances | Goals | Appearances | Goals | ||
| West Ham United | 1953–54 | Second Division | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| 1954–55 | Second Division | 38 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 0 | |
| 1955–56 | Second Division | 22 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | |
| 1956–57 | Second Division | 37 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 0 | |
| 1957–58 | Second Division | 42 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 3 | |
| 1958–59 | First Division | 42 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 46 | 0 | |
| 1959–60 | First Division | 40 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 0 | |
| 1960–61 | First Division | 40 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 1 | |
| 1961–62 | First Division | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | |
| Total | 283 | 4 | 21 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 321 | 4 | ||
| Chelsea | 1961–62 | First Division | 27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 1 |
| 1962–63 | Second Division | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 27 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 1 | ||
| Queens Park Rangers | 1962–63 | Third Division | 31 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 5 |
| 1963–64 && Third Division &&31&&0&&3&&1&&1&&0&&35&&1 | ||||||||||||
| 1964–65 && Third Division &&22&&00&&2&&00&&1&&00&&25&&00 | ||||||||||||
| Total &&84&&5&&8&&1&&2&&00&&94&&6 | ||||||||||||
| Career total | 394 | 10 | 30 | 1 | 17 | 00 | 2 | 00 | 443 | 11 | ||
Achievements
West Ham United
- Football League Second Division champion: 1957–58
- Football Combination Cup champion: 1953–54
- Essex Professional Cup champion: 1958–59
- Southern Floodlight Cup runner-up: 1959–60
Individual
- Hammer of the Year award: 1958