The 24th Thistle Pin depicts a familiar face around Firhill. A much respected shot-stopper who made 120 appearances for Thistle across loan and permanent spells in the late 80s and early 90s.
We’re delighted to commemorate the contribution of our very own Officer Dibble: Andy Murdoch!
Loan Spells
Born and bred in Greenock, Andy Murdoch began his career in football at Johnstone Burgh while training to become a draughtsman with the Royal Ordinance. His form attracted the attention of a well-known club in the East of Glasgow, and he signed professional terms in 1987.
Unable to dislodge Pat Bonner between the sticks, Andy joined the Jags for two loan spells, first in the 1988-89 season and then again in the 1989-90 season. Jags manager John Lambie sought to strengthen a side that was then experiencing considerable frustration in the second tier.
Murdoch’s debut in January 1989 could hardly have started worse! Thistle went behind to Clydebank after just one minute and went on to lose 3-2. But the 20-year-old soon established himself as Lambie’s first choice keeper. The Jags started grinding out draws and victories, and Andy kept five clean sheets, including in the Glasgow Cup final against Clyde as Thistle won that silverware in its last year as a senior tournament.
Andy would continue to make an impact into season 1989-90, where he returned for the first few months before returning to Celtic. With him between the sticks that season, Thistle lost only two of 14 competitive fixtures.
Permanent move
Still denied first team football at Parkhead, Andy Murdoch would return permanently to Firhill in a two-player deal that saw the Jags pay a record fee of £85k to Celtic for him and Paul McLaughlin. He was Thistle’s established number 1 from 1990 to 1993.
From 1990 onwards, Andy continued to rack up the clean sheets. Across his 120 appearances for the Jags, Murdoch kept the opposition out an impressive 43 times. Of those to have kept more than 10 clean sheets for Thistle, only Jim Ferguson and Scottish Cup winner Kenny Campbell have a better clean sheet ratio for the Jags.
The team also saw success during this spell as the Jags fought their way back into the top flight, edging out Hamilton Accies to second place in the 1991-92 season.
Top Flight and Sixes Glory
Murdoch continued to impress for the Jags in the Premier Division, featuring in an all-too-rare victory at Celtic Park in September 1992. It was his first competitive fixture that season, after missing the opening weeks with a broken finger.
Andy can also count among his successes being part of the triumphant Tennent’s Sixes side when Thistle took home the indoor tournament trophy in 1993.
The goal that never was
For many in Scottish football, Andy will be remembered for his involvement in one of Scotland’s most bizarre footballing moments. Paddy Connelly’s “ghost goal”, and the ensuing chaos when referee Les Mottram failed to notice it, is a part of football folklore. So sure were the Thistle players that the goal was legitimate that Martin Clarke picked up the ball and handed it to Murdoch, assuming kick-off beckoned. Not that it mattered. Thistle lost 4-0!
The confusion stemmed from the ball rebounding off the stanchion, and the incident ultimately contributed to a change of design in football goalposts.
Away to join the Polis!
At the start of the 1994-95 season, and aged just 26 years, Andy stepped away from professional football, opting for a career with Strathclyde Police. He served with distinction until his retirement in 2022, eventually rising to the rank of superintendent.
PC Murdoch maintained his links with Thistle, however, including a brief return to Firhill in 2000 to provide cover during a goalkeeping injury crisis!
In his retirement, Andy has become an active lead in the Thistle Former Players’ Association, and we’re proud that he’s among our number as a Jags Foundation member.
How do I get a Murdoch Pin 📌
If you’re a TJF member, you can get your hands on a Murdoch Pin for just £10 including UK P&P, when they go on sale from 7pm on Sunday 10th August on our members shop.
There will also be an early-bird opportunity to purchase a Murdoch Pin in-person at our barbecue on Sunday afternoon at the Firehouse.
The sale of Thistle Pins, and other TJF merchandise, help us to meet and beat our three member pledges to the Club, Academy and Women’s team. Last season we contributed more than £200k across our pledges and fundraising, making a huge difference to the foundations of our football club. We want to do the same again in season 2025-26.
If you’re not a member, it’s really easy to join TJF, and there are affordable membership rates for all, regardless of circumstances. Help us on the road to 2000 members and be part of your Club’s biggest ever fans community.