Joe Craig (footballer) explained

Joe Craig
Fullname:Joseph Craig[1]
Birth Date:14 May 1954
Birth Place:Bridge of Allan, Scotland
Height:[2]
Position:Striker
Years1:1971–1972
Years2:1972–1976
Years3:1976–1978
Years4:1978–1981
Years5:1981–1983
Clubs5:Hamilton Academical
Caps2:112
Caps3:55
Caps4:48
Caps5:54
Goals2:44
Goals3:22
Goals4:8
Goals5:14
Nationalyears1:1976
Nationalteam1:Scottish League XI[3]
Nationalcaps1:1
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:1977
Nationalteam2:Scotland
Nationalcaps2:1
Nationalgoals2:1
Manageryears1:1985–1987
Managerclubs1:Cowdenbeath
Managerclubs2:Armadale Thistle

Joseph Craig (born 14 May 1954) is a Scottish former footballer, who played for Sauchie, Partick Thistle, Celtic, Blackburn Rovers, Hamilton Academical and the Scotland national team.

Craig, a striker, joined Partick Thistle in 1972 from Sauchie Juniors. After an impressive start, scoring seven goals in his first twenty games, he attracted the attention of Liverpool FC's Bill Shankly who watched him in Scottish Cup action against Dumbarton on 28 February 1973 but didn't follow it up with a bid.[4]

He helped the club to the First Division title in season 1975-76. He signed for Celtic in September 1976 for £60,000 where he won the Scottish Cup and League Championship in his first season. He moved to Blackburn Rovers in September 1978 where he remained until 1981 when he joined Hamilton Academical. He retired in 1983.

Whilst at Celtic, he earned his only international cap against Sweden in April 1977. He started the match as a substitute and came on after 75 minutes and famously scored before having even kicked the ball, scoring a header just two minutes after replacing Kenny Burns.

After his playing career, he managed Cowdenbeath for three years and later had coaching spells at Armadale Thistle and Airdrieonians. His son Steven is also a professional footballer.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Joseph Craig . London Hearts Supporters' Club . 26 February 2010.
  2. Book: Rothmans Football Yearbook 1980–81 . registration . Jack . Rollin . Queen Anne Press. London . 1980 . 0362020175 . 66.
  3. Web site: Joe Craig . London Hearts Supporters' Club . 18 December 2011.
  4. Liverpool Echo 1 March 1973