Tommy Craig made 108 appearances (6 as substitute) for Carlisle between March 1982 and his return to Scotland in October 1984. During that time he scored 10 goals. He slotted in to an influential, playmaking role in midfield that often led to him controlling the speed and tempo of a game. He typified the hard work and flair that Manager Bob Stokoe preferred, and he became a key player during his time here.

Born in Glasgow on 21st November 1950, Tommy was one of the many Scottish footballers who have made their way to Brunton Park over the years. He played along side Kenny Dalglish for Scotland Schoolboys and was soon snapped up by Aberdeen, who introduced him to their very impressive youth set up. As his 19th birthday approached, Tommy was delighted to hear that Sheffield Wednesday were showing an interest. The deal that followed, however, took everyone by surprise. In May 1969 the young Mr Craig became the first player to move from Scotland to England for £100,000. He was instant headline news.

Five years at Hillsborough followed, most of which were in Division Two, and Tommy became a regular in the first team. It was during this period that his endeavours earned him call ups to both the Scottish under 21 and under 23 teams. Even so, as much as he enjoyed his time in Sheffield, he realised that a change is often as good as a rest, and he signed for Newcastle in December 1974. The Magpies were quick to give the talented player the captain's armband and he led his team to the League Cup Final at Wembley in 1976, eventually losing to the mighty Manchester City. 1976 also brought Tommy his one and only Scotland cap.

Aston Villa were next to seek his services, paying £275,000 for the privilege in January 1978. His spell with 'The Villains' was not a happy one though, with a niggling knee injury disrupting the number of appearances he could make, and he readily agreed to move to Swansea just a year later in 1979.

By the January of 1982, Bob Stokoe had assembled a squad that were becoming serious contenders for promotion from Division Three, but he felt his side were lacking quality in midfield. A couple of months of talks and protracted negotiations saw Bob finally capture his main target in the March of that year, and Tommy Craig moved North to Brunton Park. He played the last 18 games of the season, and scored 3 goals, helping Carlisle to second place and the promotion they had craved. More importantly, United fans were treated to displays of assured passing and controlled moving, all of which was orchestrated by the left footed accuracy of Tommy Craig.

1982/83 was a season of consolidation with United happy just to keep their place in Division Two. Tommy made 40 appearances and scored 4 goals and was the pick of a very impressive midfield unit. His experience and cool head held the team together as they battled their way through a difficult season, eventually finishing safe in 14th position. The following season brought some marvellous football to Brunton Park, with an unbeaten 15 game run between October and January raising serious hopes of promotion to Division One. Craig made 38 appearances and scored 2 goals, and was again the teams main playmaker. It was only a string of poor results through April that saw United's push tail off and they finished in what turned out to be a disappointing 7th position.

Tommy left Carlisle in October 1984 having played 12 more games for the club and having scored a penalty in a 3-1 away win at Barnsley, a goal that was to be his last for the club. He was tempted back to Scotland by the offer of the assistant manager/player coach role with Hibernian. He combined the roles for a further three years before retiring from the playing side of the game in 1987. His retirement saw him take up another new post, as assistant manager with Celtic. In 1995 he returned to Aberdeen to assist Roy Aitken and he also took up the reigns as Scotland's Under 21 manager. He settled in Aberdeen and lives there to this day.

Tommy Craig was one of the most influential midfielders to pull on the number 8 shirt (and the number 6 for that matter :-). More often than not his passes found their mark and he became the driving force behind all forward movement. A classy and quality player indeed.