| Bth | 08/06/44 | Comber | N. Ireland |
| P/H/W | RB | 5ft 9.5in | 11st 1-13 lb |
| Jnd | 05/07/60 (16) | Boys Brigade | |
| Pro | 04/62 (17) | ||
| Deb | 09/04/63 (18) | Cardiff (H) | D2 |
| Dep | 06/78 (34) | Blyth Spartans | Free |
| A/G | 428 (6) | 12 |
David Craig was a highly accomplished player who stayed at the club throughout his sixteen-year professional career and is one of the select members of the exclusive Newcastle 400-plus club.
He joined the Magpies, aged sixteen, in August 1960 and was a member of the United side that won the Youth Cup in 1962. But his United career was almost over before it started. His mentor, Dick Keith, asked for a transfer in 1963 and Craig wanted to follow him, but Keith persuaded the youngster to stay.
A redoubtable Ulsterman with a commanding tackle and an ice-cool temperament, he was a cultured player and an intelligent and composed defender. He was recognised as one of the best full-backs in the game in the late sixties/early seventies and won 25 caps for his country.
Craig was a thoroughbred defender, with two good feet, who maintained a very high standard of consistency. A clean-cut player who had all the requirements for a position which was becoming progressively more demanding.
A complete full-back, he was an amalgam of competitiveness and consideration. Craig was quick and firm in the tackle and strong and stubborn when put under pressure, but he always played fair.
Determined, tenacious and courageous, he was as brave in the air as on the ground. Although he hated flying!
Technically astute, Craig demonstrated good positional sense; read situations well and could anticipate and see-off danger. He timed his interceptions perfectly and was always looking for the opportunity to switch defence to attack. He also played very effectively as a centre-back later in his career.
A former forward, David had the ability to be progressive, demonstrating finesse of ball holding when overlapping. And he could distribute the ball with accuracy.
He could strike the ball firmly and accurately with either foot and he had a habit of scoring a goal a season, although in 1972/73 he went nap.
Unfortunately he was dogged by injuries throughout his career and unluckily missed out on both United's Wembley appearances in 1974 and 1976. He was particularly upset to miss the 1974 Cup Final, as he thought he could have played. However a specialist had indicated that, to do so, could cause a permanent injury and, although Craig was prepared to take the risk, manager Joe Harvey wasn’t.
Craig was one of the first players to receive £5,000 under Newcastle United's loyalty scheme, after 10 years with the club, and he was awarded a very well deserved testimonial in 1975 He finally retired, through injury, in 1978.
On and off the pitch, Craig was a gentleman and a perfect sportsman, with a temperament to match. In David’s testimonial programme Joe Harvey said : “If I had to point to one player as a model for schoolboys to copy then, I would point to David…If all professionals were as dedicated and level headed as David Craig, then the ulcer rate in my line of business would drop alarmingly.”. David was always courteous and friendly with journalists and fans as well.
”An honest, open, steady and likeable bloke. As a player he always wanted to do the right thing, He had a lot of ability, two good feet, and always had the interest of the team at heart. He was a great example for younger players”.
He was in the Boys Brigade and was an apprentice engineer in a Belfast factory. He had a trial at Scunthorpe, but suffered badly from homesickness. Newcastle successfully persuaded him to come over to Tyneside, helped by the fact the club had a good reputation in Northern Ireland as a result of the success of Dick Keith and Alf McMichael.
Despite having a somewhat traumatic debut (United losing 4-0 at home to Cardiff) as a 19-year-old against Cardiff, he took over from Bill McKinney towards the end of the campaign
He made the right back position his own property during Newcastle's promotion run. Although he occasionally showed his inexperience he was generally consistent and was selected for the Under-23 game against Wales at Cardiff in February 1965.
A number of niggling injury problems restricted the popular Irishman's appearances and his calm, assured play was badly missed. He was selected to play for Northern Ireland to play England, but had to pull out due to a terrible back issue that caused him lot pain over long period. Won his first cap against Wales later in the season.
Although long established as United’s right-back, John Craggs was pushing him hard. A knee ligament injury at the start of 1969 against Real Zaragosa ruled him out for an extended period, but he eventually won back his place for the season's climax.
Pulled a hamstring in the first game of the season and was out until October, but the classy Irishman was once again a crucial cog in United's superb rearguard. He was the winner of the Journal's Merit Marks award for the season.
Had another excellent season despite missing most of the last two months through injury.
Retained the right back slot and scored a goal in a 3-3 draw at Stoke.
Was an ever present in the main competitions during the season and was in excellent form throughout. He even had a bit of a scoring spree including three long range efforts. Totally out-of-character he was sent-off in the farcical game against Torino after their goalkeeper grabbed hold of him.
Although David made his 300th appearance for the club, his season was wrecked by injury. He missed a third of the games and a dislocated shoulder prevented him from turning out at Wembley.
No longer regarded as first choice the unlucky Irishman had another injury plagued season. Man of the Month for March, he was rewarded for his 15 years service at the club with a testimonial match against Sunderland.
When Bird was dropped Lee introduced Craig, who had just regained fitness after injury, into a centre-back role and he did well enough to be retained in the side. Unfortunately the injury curse hit him again when he suffered a medial ligament injury.
With Irving Nattrass in such commanding form opportunities for Craig were rare and seeing the success of his old flanker Clark at Nottingham Forest the popular Irishman looked likely to leave in the summer.
David Craig was struggling against injury and rarely featured. The home defeat against Arsenal was his last ever game.
Painting by Piotr Jozefowicz - if you would like a copy of this painting or a copy of the painting of any other player, past or present, please contact Piotr directly at: 008bond@wp.pl