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Fullname: Daniel Crainie
aka: Danny Crainie
Born: 24 May 1962
Birthplace: Kilsyth, Scotland
Signed: 3 Aug 1979
Left: 30 Oct 1983 (loan to Wolves); 2 Dec 1983 (permanent to Wolves)
Position: Midfield/Winger
Debut: Celtic 2-2 Partick Thistle, League, 20 Feb 1982
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 1 cap for U-21s

Biog

Danny Crainie was born in Kilsyth and a Celtic fan from birth and having impressed with Celtic Boys Club Danny was signed by Billy McNeill for the Hoops in August 1979.

Danny first sprang to prominence in November 1981 when he was part of the Celtic team that won the Daily Express 5 a side tournament at Wembley. Celtic's side was Latchford, W McStay, Garner, Weir, Crainie and Nicholas and was tremendously inexperienced but defeated the international packed teams of Ipswich. Man Utd and Southampton, Kevin Keegan et al, in the final. The Celtic fans who watched on Sportsnight on the BBC were tremendously impressed with Danny's touch and close control.

When Charlie Nicholas and Frank McGarvey broke their legs in early 1982 Billy McNeill was required to promote from within and Danny Crainie made his debut as sub on February 20th 1982 with Celtic 2-0 down to Partick Thistle at Parkhead. He helped Celts make a rousing comeback with goals from McCluskey and Aitken and only a magnificent save at the death from Alan Rough prevented a dream debut for the young Danny.

Despite being predominately left footed he was capable of playing on the right wing, when Davie Provan was missing, and had a wonder game at Love Street on March 13th when Celtic won 5-2 after running up a sensational 4-0 lead at half time. Most of the good play had came down Celtic's right flank with the trio of McGrain/Sullivan/Crainie well to the fore. Two weeks later he tore Aberdeen left back Doug Rougvie to shreds but Celtic could not convert their good play. McCluskey missed a penalty and Celtic lost to a freak goal by Stewart Kennedy.

This win had given Aberdeen impetus and Celtic and the Dons now battled for the title. When Provan returned Danny was moved to the centre of the attack alongside McCluskey and now proved he had an eye for goal, his first goal came at Cappielow on April 3rd in a 1-1 draw with Morton. Exactly one week later he made his Old Firm debut and scored a sensational goal after only 50 seconds. Celtic attacked down the right flank and when Dom Sullivan sent the ball across goal, Danny managed to bundle the ball past Jim Stewart at the back post. It was not pretty but it was effective and he played well, helping Celtic to a much needed 2-1 win.

Celtic embarked on a good run of wins with Danny very much to the fore in attack and on April 24th he scored a second half hat trick against Scotland World Cup keeper Alan Rough in a 3-0 win showing great opportunism in doing so. On May 8th an injury ridden Celtic side travelled to Tannadice needing a point to clinch the title but went down 3-0 leading to worries over the destination of the League trophy. On May 15th in the last League game against St.Mirren at Parkhead Celtic were drawing 0-0 at half time and nerves began to show in the crowd as one point was still required. The team came out in the second half and turned on the style winning 3-0 and Crainie celebrated wildly with the happy fans who had invaded the field at the final whistle. Danny was right to celebrate as the title would not have been won without his seven goals in fourteen games.

Competition was fierce for positions in the Celtic attack at the start of the 1982/83 season and Danny found it difficult to hold down a place. A rejuvenated McGarvey/Nicholas partnership cracked in 70 goals between them, keeping George McCluskey on the sidelines also. In view of this it was not surprising that Crainie made only a handful of appearances, scoring the one goal against Arbroath in the League Cup.

In June 1983 his close friend Nicholas signed for Arsenal in a blaze of publicity and Billy McNeill resigned as manager after having problems with chairman Desmond White. Davie Hay was the new manager and Danny partnered new signing Brian McClair in attack at Firhill in the Glasgow Cup in Hay's first game in charge in early August. It was a promising start as Crainie and McClair both scored in a 2-0 win. However the team struggled in the final against Rangers at Hampden and Hay signed Jim Melrose from Coventry City for a then considerable fee of £100,000. Danny's days were numbered as he was now fourth choice behind McGarvey, Melrose and McClair.

His last appearance was as a sub against St.Johnstone on September 10th 1983 and within weeks he was on his way to Wolves for a fee of £20,000 where he made 64 appearances.Danny subsequently played out his career at various clubs in Scotland namely Dundee and Kilmarnock as well as having spells in Australia and Ireland.

Danny Crainie was a Celtic fan in a jersey and gave his all for the hoops. It is a pity he did not stay a bit longer as he had a lot to offer.

Youth Team Coach

Danny Crainie started working as a youth team coach for Celtic in season 1994-95 and continued through to the reorganisation of the Celtic Youth Development programme. His contract was terminated by Jock Brown and Eric Black in October 1997, with not a small amount of dissatisfaction from Crainie as his reputation and results working with the youngest players was exemplary.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

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