He was a great United servant
BORN in Belfast on this day in 1944, he would go on to become one of Newcastle United’s finest ever right-backs.
Many happy returns to David Craig, a model of professionalism, consistency and loyalty. He celebrates his 74th birthday today.
Along with Frank Clark - his full-back partner on the other flank - Craig was one of the rocks in United’s defence for much of the 1960s into the ‘70s.
He would make 434 appearances, scoring 12 goals for the club.
The young David’s first footballing port of call was Scunthorpe where he was unable to settle.
Joining the Magpies’ apprentice scheme, the teenage Craig found life on Tyneside much more to his liking.
And he quickly settled in with the help of experienced fellow Ulstermen Alf McMichael and Dick Keith, who both also happened to be full-backs.
Nineteen year-old Craig made his first team bow in a League Cup third round 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth in November, 1963.
Three days later he made is league debut at Swindon Town and - by February 1964 - he found himself the Toon’s regular right back.
It was a position he’d occupy with distinction for the next decade or so, despite the rival claims of the likes of John Craggs and Irving Nattrass.
In the mean time, he won 25 full Northern Ireland caps at a time when he was up against another fine right-back, Arsenal’s Pat Rice.
For those of us who remember Craig in action, he was equally comfortable defending and attacking.
One of United’s Fairs Cup heroes, he played in most of those classic European games, including both legs of the final against Ujpest Dozsa.
Ironically, this most reliable of players was unlucky enough to miss both the 1974 FA Cup final and 1976 League Cup final through injury.
A one-club player, Craig kicked his last ball for United in a game against Arsenal at St James’ Park in November, 1977 - some 14 years after his debut.
His testimonial game - against Sunderland - in 1975 had attracted over 21,000 fans.
Working as a newsagent, milkman and support worker after football, David Craig is one of Newcastle United’s greatest ever servants.