Craig hangs up his boots but will still be a Saint
LIAM CRAIG is ready to bring down the curtain on a stellar playing career.
St Johnstone’s all-time appearance record holder has revealed he will be assuming a coaching role with the Perth club next season.
And the veteran midfielder is convinced Callum Davidson’s side will complete a Great Escape by winning in the Premiership play-off final.
Craig, who has clocked-up 452 appearances in two spells, savoured a four-minute cameo from the bench in a 1-0 win over Aberdeen which evicted Dundee from the top flight.
And he could bring down the curtain on a 19-year career against former club Hibs as boss Davidson wraps key personnel in cotton wool.
Craig, 35, was brought to Perth from Falkirk by Derek McInnes and helped end their exile from the top flight.
He missed out on a 2014 Scottish Cup win during a two year stay at Hibs. But he nailed down his legendary status with two trophy wins last term.
His decision to bow out marks the end of an era for a player who was the bedrock of teams bossed by McInnes, Steve Lomas, Tommy Wright and Davidson.
“That’s 19 years as a full-time footballer and I’ve always said if the right opportunity came along to step into coaching I’d think seriously about it,” said Craig. “I was never worried about retiring and this just feels right.
“People say you should play for as long as you can and I definitely get that. But in January there were a couple of opportunities to move on. I had good conversations with the manager and the chairman. They didn’t want me to leave.
“There wasn’t going to be a playing contract going into next season so there was a decision to be made if I did decide to retire.
“This is where I want to be. So it’s great the manager and the board wanted me to stay.”