He represented Durham County Schoolboys and after successful trials had offers to join Newcastle, Leeds and Middlesbrough.He signed as an apprentice with Middlesbrough in the summer of 1968.
As a 18 year old, Stan Anderson gave Malcolm his full league debut for Middlesbrough in August 1972 - against local rivals Sunderland at a packed Ayresome Park.
Malcolm was very much a part of Jack's main squad of just 13 regular players and in that memorable season he played or was sub in 28 games scoring 6 goals and collected a Division Two Champions winning medal.
Prior to the transfer to Burnley, Malcolm spent the summer on loan at Portland Timbers playing in the North American Soccer League (NASL).
After 4 years at Burnley playing over 100 games scoring 20 goals and wanting to return to the North East, Malcolm signed for York City before retiring from football early to concentrate and develop his business interests.