Lightfoot spent much of his career with Chester City, where he came through the youth ranks to make his debut as a 17-year-old on 19 September 1987 in a 1–0 win over Grimsby Town.
Lightfoot joined fellow youngsters such as Brian Croft, Robbie Painter and Colin Woodthorpe in emerging from the Chester youth set-up to become first-team regulars during this period.
By this point Lightfoot had been converted by Graham Barrow from a central defender to an attacking midfielder, reflected in his 14 goals as Chester won promotion from Division Three.
Lightfoot's final taste of league football came during a loan spell with Oldham Athletic in the early weeks of the 2000–01 season.
[2] After spells with Marine and Leek Town, Lightfoot ended his playing days with two appearances for NEWI Cefn Druids.