Andrew Lorimar Lochhead, born Milngavie, Scotland, March 9, 1941. Known for his towering presence, fierce aerial ability, and knack for scoring goals, Andy Lochhead made a name for himself as one of the most reliable center-forwards of his era. From his early days at Burnley to later stints with Leicester City, Aston Villa, Oldham Athletic, and a brief spell with the Denver Dynamos in the United States, Lochhead’s career was marked by both individual brilliance and team contributions. His journey across these clubs offers a glimpse into a career that embodied perseverance, adaptability, and a love for the beautiful game.
Andy Lochhead’s footballing journey began with Burnley, where he made his debut in 1960. Burnley was in the midst of a golden period during the late 1950s and early 1960s, and Lochhead quickly became an integral part of the squad. In particular, his ability to dominate in the air and find the back of the net made him a fan favorite at Turf Moor. Moreover, his partnership with players like Jimmy McIlroy allowed Burnley to consistently challenge for honors during this period. One of the most remarkable feats of Lochhead’s career came while at Burnley, where he remains the only player in the club’s history to have scored five goals in a single match on two separate occasions. His knack for scoring in big games was epitomized on December 26, 1963, when he netted four goals in a 6–1 thrashing of Manchester United at Turf Moor, a performance that still resonates with Burnley fans to this day. Harry Potts´ boys threw themselves forward from the sound of the first whistle and went in front as defender John Angus managed to create a good opportunity for marksman Lochhead who placed the ball beyond the reach of the arms of away shot stopper David Gaskell and into the goal following seven minutes of play. Manchester United, who had a much stronger side on paper with players such as Bobby Charlton, Paddy Crerand, Tony Dunne, Bill Foulkes, and Maurice Setters, eventually responded and levelled the score with a goal from David Herd on the half-hour mark, only for The Clarets to regain their advantage when Lochhead unleashed a powerful volley that flew past Gaskell and into the back of the net three minutes ahead of the interval. The aggressive home team continued their attacking prowess in the second period of the contest and had their third goal of the afternoon six minutes past the hour mark thanks to an effort from Willie Morgan before extending their lead even further in the 72nd minute through Lochhead. There was more to come, however, as Lochhead and Morgan added a goal each in the 82nd and 85th minutes respectively to make the final score read 6-1 in the favour of the hosts.
As Burnley’s fortunes began to wane slightly by the mid-1960s, Lochhead, whose natural goal-scoring ability, combined with his physicality, made him a terror for opposition defenders, remained a key figure, providing leadership on and off the pitch. However, as football is a game of transitions, Lochhead’s time at Turf Moor came to an end in 1968 when he was sold to Leicester City. Moving to Leicester City in 1968 marked the next chapter of Lochhead’s career. Leicester, at the time, was a club looking to re-establish itself as a force in English football, and Lochhead’s arrival provided them with the goal-scoring threat they needed. He quickly became a pivotal figure for the Foxes, leading their charge in domestic competitions. One of the standout moments of Lochhead’s time with Leicester came during the 1969 FA Cup run. Lochhead played a crucial role in helping Leicester reach the final, where they faced Manchester City. Unfortunately, Leicester would fall just short, losing 1–0 to a Neil Young goal. Despite the defeat, Lochhead’s performances throughout the competition were widely praised. Undoubtedly, he provided Leicester with the physical presence up front that helped them navigate their way to Wembley. Leicester’s inability to win silverware during Lochhead’s time there may have been a disappointment, but his contributions were undeniable. His time at the club was brief, but it showcased his ability to adapt to new surroundings and maintain his high level of play. Following the FA Cup final defeat, Lochhead was sold to Aston Villa, a move that would once again bring him close to footballing glory.
Andy Lochhead’s move to Aston Villa in 1969 came at a crucial juncture in his career. Villa, at the time, were languishing in the lower divisions, far removed from their days as a top-flight club. However, the club was in the process of rebuilding, and Lochhead’s arrival provided them with the firepower they desperately needed. In particular, his leadership and experience made him a vital figure in Villa’s resurgence. Lochhead’s impact at Villa was immediate. In the 1970–71 season, he helped guide the club to the Football League Cup Final, although Villa were defeated 2–0 by Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the loss, Lochhead’s performances were instrumental in getting Villa to the final, and his presence in the team helped galvanize the club’s efforts to climb back up the footballing ladder.The following season, Lochhead played a key role in Villa’s promotion campaign from the Third Division. His 19 goals during the 1971–72 season were crucial in securing the club’s return to the Second Division, and his efforts did not go unnoticed. Moreover, Lochhead’s role at Villa was not just limited to his goal-scoring. He was also a leader on the pitch, helping to guide younger players and providing the kind of experience that only comes from years at the top level. His time at Villa cemented his status as a true professional who could deliver under pressure and inspire those around him.
After helping Aston Villa secure promotion, Lochhead moved to Oldham Athletic in 1973. Oldham, like Villa, was a club seeking to rise through the divisions, and Lochhead’s arrival provided them with a proven goal-scorer. Once again, Lochhead played a vital role in a promotion campaign, as Oldham won the Third Division title during the 1973–74 season. At Oldham, Lochhead continued to display the same qualities that had defined his career—physicality, determination, and an eye for goal. His ability to lead the line and contribute crucial goals made him a valuable asset for the club. In contrast to the higher-profile clubs he had previously played for, Oldham represented a different kind of challenge, but Lochhead rose to the occasion, showing that his passion for the game and desire to win had not diminished. In the twilight of his career, Lochhead took the opportunity to experience football abroad with the Denver Dynamos in the United States. The North American Soccer League was beginning to attract a number of big-name players from Europe, and Lochhead’s move to Denver was part of this trend. Although his time in the NASL was brief, it provided Lochhead with a chance to experience a different style of football and contribute to the growing popularity of the sport in the United States. While his stint in Denver was short-lived, it added another interesting chapter to a career that had already spanned multiple clubs and leagues. Lochhead’s professionalism and work ethic remained evident, even as he wound down his playing days.
Andy Lochhead’s career is one of consistency, adaptability, and leadership. From his early days at Burnley, where he scored goals at an astonishing rate, to his vital role in Aston Villa’s promotion push and Oldham Athletic’s rise through the divisions, Lochhead’s contributions to each of his clubs were significant. Moreover, his brief stint in the United States with Denver Dynamos showcased his willingness to embrace new challenges even in the latter stages of his career. In conclusion, Lochhead’s legacy as a footballer is marked by his dedication to the game and his ability to deliver when it mattered most. He remains a respected figure at the clubs he represented, and his goal-scoring exploits, particularly at Burnley and Aston Villa, have secured his place in football history.