Joe Craig (footballer)

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.

Joe Craig
Personal information
Full name Joseph Craig[1][2]
Date of birth (1954-05-14) 14 May 1954
Place of birth Bridge of Allan, Scotland
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[3]
Playing position(s) Striker
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1971–1972 Sauchie
1972–1976 Partick Thistle 112 (44)
1976–1978 Celtic 55 (22)
1978–1981 Blackburn Rovers 48 (8)
1981–1983 Hamilton Academical 54 (14)
National team
1976 Scottish League XI[4] 1 (0)
1977 Scotland[2] 1 (1)
Teams managed
1985–1987 Cowdenbeath
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

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.[5]

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.

References
  1. "Joe Craig". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  2. "Joseph Craig". Londonhearts.com. London Hearts Supporters' Club. Retrieved 26 February 2010.
  3. Rollin, Jack, ed. (1980). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1980–81. London: Queen Anne Press. p. 66. ISBN 0362020175.
  4. "Joe Craig". Londonhearts.com. London Hearts Supporters' Club. Retrieved 18 December 2011.
  5. Liverpool Echo 1 March 1973
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