Andrew Jarvie, born Annathill, Scotland, October 5, 1948. Drew Jarvie´s time at Airdrieonians, Aberdeen, and St Mirren, as well as his contributions to the Scottish national team, established him as one of Scotland’s finest strikers.
Jarvie began his professional career with Airdrieonians in 1967. It was at the Lanarkshire club where he first made a significant mark. Forming a deadly strike partnership with Drew Busby, Jarvie became a fan favorite, scoring regularly and showcasing his eye for goal. His ability to link up play, combined with his clinical finishing, made him a key figure in the team’s offensive strategy. His prolific scoring record in the Scottish leagues quickly brought attention to his talents, and it wasn’t long before bigger clubs came calling. Moreover, his time at Airdrieonians was characterized by a consistent level of performance that saw him earn national recognition. His standout performances led to his selection for the Scotland national team, where he earned three caps in 1971. These appearances further enhanced his reputation as one of the most talented forwards in the country. Airdrie, though often battling mid-table in the Scottish league, benefitted immensely from Jarvie’s presence. Yet, in 1972, the next phase of his career beckoned as Aberdeen sought to bring him into their ranks.
In 1972, Drew Jarvie made a record-breaking transfer to Aberdeen, costing the club £72,000, a significant fee at the time. The move signaled a new era for Jarvie, as he joined a team with ambitions of competing at the highest levels of Scottish football. At Aberdeen, Jarvie was paired with another prolific forward, Joe Harper, forming a partnership that would terrorize defenses across Scotland. The two complemented each other perfectly, with Jarvie’s intelligent movement and Harper’s clinical finishing providing Aberdeen with one of the most feared strike forces in the league. His time at Aberdeen was laden with success, most notably winning the Scottish League Cup and the Scottish Premier League title. These achievements cemented Jarvie’s place in the hearts of the Aberdeen faithful. Over the course of his decade-long stint at the club, Jarvie made an astounding 386 appearances, scoring 131 goals—a testament to both his durability and his effectiveness in front of goal. In addition, Jarvie’s role at Aberdeen wasn’t limited to just scoring goals. His ability to create space for others, his leadership on the field, and his knack for making crucial contributions in important matches elevated his status within the team. He played a pivotal role in Aberdeen’s league-winning campaign and was a key figure in helping the club challenge the dominance of Glasgow’s Celtic and Rangers during the 1970s.
After leaving Aberdeen in 1982, Jarvie made a brief return to his former club, Airdrieonians. Although he was no longer the same dynamic force as during his first stint, his experience and leadership were invaluable to the team. In the twilight of his career, Jarvie’s influence shifted from being the primary goal threat to mentoring younger players and providing a steadying presence in attack. Following his second spell at Airdrieonians, Jarvie had a short stint with St Mirren. While his playing days were winding down, Jarvie continued to demonstrate his football intelligence and professionalism, traits that had defined his entire career. Even as his pace and agility waned with age, his positioning, vision, and ability to read the game remained sharp, allowing him to make meaningful contributions to his teams.
Although Jarvie’s international career was brief, his three caps for Scotland in 1971 were a proud achievement. Representing his country on the international stage was a testament to his quality and consistency during his peak years with Airdrieonians. While he may not have enjoyed a long career with the national team, his performances at the club level ensured that his reputation within Scottish football remained undiminished. Upon retiring from professional football, Drew Jarvie transitioned into coaching, where he remained deeply involved in the sport. He joined Aberdeen’s coaching staff, working alongside Alex Smith and Jocky Scott, passing on his vast knowledge to younger generations. Jarvie’s passion for the game never waned, and his continued involvement in coaching demonstrated his desire to stay connected to the sport that had given him so much. Furthermore, his coaching career took an international turn when he served as assistant to Ian Porterfield at South Korean club Busan I’Cons during the 2003 K-League season. This experience showcased Jarvie’s adaptability and his willingness to embrace new challenges even in unfamiliar environments.