CRAIG, Fred (1916)

Overview

A Larkhall man signed from Plymouth Argyle in March 1916 as the official English League games were suspended due to the outbreak of World War One. He was called up for Army service, however he was only in the forces for ten months and was discharged on medical grounds. His career had consisted of driving heavy trucks between London and the Channel ports.

He also appeared with Motherwell during the time following his demob. His first outing for them was in 1918 against Accies on 31st August at Fir Park.

During season 1920-21 while at Plymouth he created a record for the least number of goals conceded in a season. In 1922 he was presented with a gold medal by the Argyle directors to mark his having appeared in 110 consecutive matches for the club. His career with them stretched from 1913 to 1930 during which time he appeared in a total of 438 English League matches for them. Unusually for a goalkeeper, he took any penalties for Argyle and had five to his name.

Freed in 1931 by the Holm Park combine he was enticed to join Barrow by his old friend Tom Miller who was their manager at that time, He spent only a season with them before hanging up his boots even although he was much sought after, particularly in Scotland. He then coached his works team in Corby before eventually returning to his home town, Larkhall, where he died around 1970.

Tall and commanding in the goalmouth. Fred was highly regarded by the regulars at Douglas Park in his spell as an Accie. In the 1923 Home Scots versus Anglo Scots match he was in goal and his team mate, Paddy Corcoran was the outside right. Fred was another who had been a juvenile with Glenview and he stepped up from there to Larkhall United in 1909.

A year later he was with Ross Rovers from Ferniegair. Gained a County cap versus Ayrshire Juniors then in 1911 he was signed by Larkhall Thistle and with a year behind him he moved south to Plymouth. As previously mentioned he was allowed to go as a free agent during the First World War as the Plymouth ground was requisitioned. He was next with Brentford before coming back to Scotland with Royal Albert in 1915 as well as moving to Vale of Leven, Johnstone and Ayr United for a short time.

Born in Larkhall on 16th January 1893.

Debut 4th March 1916 in a Scottish League match at home to Ayr United.

Scottish League 42 Appearances (9 Clean Sheets)

Accies Career

Links and References

- Read the fans' memories, or add your own, via this link.

- Please contact us if you have any information that will improve this page or if you spot any mistakes.