One of Newcastle United’s greatest ever right-backs
OUR archive picture shows Newcastle United right-back David Craig in action against Arsenal at their former stadium, Highbury, 50 years ago.
Acknowledged as one of the Magpies’ greatest ever number 2s, Ulster-born Craig was a long-standing regular in an exciting team featuring, at that time, the likes of Malcolm Macdonald and Jimmy Smith.
Born in Belfast in 1944 – David has over time become a naturalised Tynesider. “I never had any desire to leave Newcastle United. I loved the club and loved the area – and still do.” he told the Chronicle a few years ago.
Craig spent 18 years on the Magpies’ books. He was one of the rocks in United’s defence for much of the 1960s into the ‘70s, making 434 appearances and scoring 12 goals.
Craig’s first footballing port of call was Scunthorpe where he was unable to settle. Joining the Magpies’ apprentice scheme, the 15-year-old 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. Nineteen year-old Craig made his first team bow in a League Cup third round tie 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 would occupy with distinction for the next decadeor so. One of United’s InterCities Fairs Cup heroes, David 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. “There were plenty of high points for me during my playing career,” said Craig. “Joining the club at 15, actually pulling on the black and white shirt, winning the FA Youth Cup in 1962, promotion in 1965, and of course the Fairs Cup in 1969.”
In the years after football, David worked as a newsagent and milkman – and in retirement as a support worker for people with disabilities on North Tyneside.
A genuine Newcastle United great, David Craig will celebrate his 79th birthday on June 8 this year.
“I never had any desire to leave Newcastle United. I loved the club and loved the area – I still do.” David Craig