Andy was spotted playing schoolboy football for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, in Crediton by Malcolm Musgrove, who recommended him to Chris Davey which led Andy to sign as a school boy footballer, in 1978.

He was one of a group of 16 youngsters who was part of Exeter City's first ever youth development programme led by Chris Davey, in the same year as Nicky Marker and Frank Howarth joined

He "enjoyed" (Andy's own words) 3 years playing for Exeter City's Youth and A teams under the guidance of Chris and later Mike Radford.

In 1981, he was released by Exeter City, a photo of the letter releasing him is shown.

In 2021, Andy was the first ex-city player to play for the England Veterans, in the England Over 55s. 

Andy said the following after appearing for England on the 4th of July 2021.

"Never give up your dreams guys" 

And in June 2022
"England Veterans are pleased to announce that Andy Cranch has been appointed Player/Manager of the Over 55’s - replacing Martin Morley who recently stepped down."

Andy has been involved in football since he signed as a schoolboy for Exeter City in 1978 and has played for, coached and managed a number of teams over subsequent years. He currently manages the Cambridgeshire Over 50's County representative side and plays for Broomfield Over 45's in the Premier Division of the Essex Veterans League.
He made his England Veterans debut in July 2021 for the Over 55's in a 2-0 victory against Wales and was part of the squad that won the Over 55's Four Nations tournament in September last year in Leicestershire. He has also made appearances for England Veterans' Over 50's and represented Team GB in this year's Over 50's Four Nations tournament.  Andy said he was honoured to be asked to take over from Martin and is focused on trying to defend the Four Nations title in Northern Ireland in September. He said he can't wait to get started and is looking forward to working with a great bunch of players and getting some exciting fixtures arranged for next season.