Andy Blair

Background

Born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Blair grew up in Bedworth, Warwickshire, and was educated at Nicholas Chamberlaine School in the town.

Career

He also played top-flight football at Aston Villa (in two separate spells) and Sheffield Wednesday, respectively, and on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also appeared for Barnsley and Northampton Town before playing in Malta for Naxxar Lions later returning to England to play for a number of non-league teams, including Kidderminster Harriers. In 1989 he opened a small chain of self-named shops across Coventry, selling sports clothing, sports goods, and school uniforms.

The business was acquired by Sporting Success Limited in 2007 and the stores continue to trade in 2012 He is currently working as a scout for Stoke City.

As a player

Aston Villa

1981/82 European Cup.

Achievements

• The highlight of his career was playing in the Villa team that beat Barcelona 3-0 at Villa Park to win the European Super Cup. He made his league debut for Coventry City, whom he had joined as an apprentice, on 28 October 1978 in a 2-1 win against Birmingham City. In November 1984, while playing for Sheffield Wednesday against Luton Town, he achieved the unusual distinction of being the first player to ever score a hat-trick of penalties in the League Cup.