Cragain (35) first signed on at Fir Park in 1994 when Alex McLeish gave the promising 18 year old a move from Bangor. He was to stay until 2000 and then joined Partick Thistle where he was to earn his first three caps. He helped the Firhill side to promotion and played well over a hundred times for them.
Open the gates...Craigan's here!
Terry Butcher brought him back to Motherwell (much to the annoyance of Thistle as we were in interim administration at the time) and he became a fixture in the centre of our defence.
That's how to clear a ball!
His no nonsense style formed the backbone of our backline as managers and central defenders came and went. Since Butcher’s time he has played for Malpas, McGhee, Gannon(!), Brown and now McCall. Apart from the well reported riff with Gannon, all managers were happy to have his name first on the team sheet.
His experience was passed to many of the younger members of the squad - Reynolds and Hutchinson will vouch for that. As captain he has a host of appearances and took us to Hampden and Europe.
Craigan scores at Hampden
His international highlights include wins against England in 2005 and against Spain in 2006. He holds the record for the number of caps won by a Motherwell player and retired from the Northern Ireland scene at the end of last season.
The modern game often gives few opportunities for fans to say farewell to players who deserve their thanks but fortunately ‘Well fans will be able to give the big man a hearty vote of thanks as he takes his final bow this weekend.