Craig Morgan (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Craig Morgan is a Welsh international
footballer who currently plays as a defender
for Football League Championship
side Preston North End
.
After beginning his career with spells at Wrexham, where he helped win the Football League Trophy
in 2005, and Milton Keynes Dons
, he joined Peterborough United
in January 2007 after a short loan spell, helping the club reach the Football League Championship by winning consecutive promotions in the 2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons.
at the age of 16, a game which confirmed Wrexham's relegation to Division Three
, and was handed a second substitute appearance the following week in a 1–0 defeat to Stoke City
. Morgan remained a bit part player the following season, although he did score his first professional goal during his first appearance of the season on 5 October 2002 in a 2–2 draw with Cambridge United., making seven appearances in all competitions as Wrexham gained promotion back into Division Two
at the first attempt.In Welsh tongue his nickname is dogdoo, which loosely translates as canine excrement which is his style of play.
The 2003–04 season saw Morgan begin to establish himself in the Wrexham first team, making 21 appearances in all competitions as the club mostly stayed clear of a relegation battle with a 13th placed finish. During the latter part of the season, Morgan was sent off for the first time in his professional career, in a 0–0 draw with Plymouth Argyle
on 27 March 2004. The following season saw him make his most amount of appearances in a single season for Wrexham, including playing in all six of the team's matches as they won the Football League Trophy
, beating Southend United
2–0 in the final at the Millennium Stadium
. However the season ended in disappointment for the team as they were relegated back into Division Three after being docked ten points due to entering administration.
side Milton Keynes Dons
, who had previously been warned by Wrexham boss Denis Smith over their attempts to sign him, for an undisclosed five-figure transfer fee.
He made his debut for his new club on 6 August 2005, the opening day of the 2005–06 season, in a 2–2 draw with Bournemouth
, and appeared in 47 during the season which ended in relegation from Division Two. After starting the next season in the first-team, Morgan fell out of favour and was allowed to return to his first club Wrexham on a one-month loan deal, one week after making his debut for Wales, becoming the first Milton Keynes Dons player to win an international cap since the team's relocation. He made two appearances during his loan spell before returning to the National Hockey Stadium
where he did not make another appearance before being sent out on loan again on 23 November 2006, this time to Peterborough United
, until January 2007.
in the second round of the FA Cup
as an 85th minute substitute for Shane Huke
. After impressing during his initial loan spell, having made seven appearances, his move was made permanent on 2 January on a free transfer. He quickly established himself in the first team and scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 victory over Notts County
on 3 March 2007.
In the 2007–08 season he made 41 league appearances, as well as signing a new three-year contract in February 2008, as the club won promotion to League One by finishing as runners-up to Milton Keynes Dons. Ahead of the clubs League One campaign in the 2008–09 season, Morgan was handed the captaincy of the team at the age of just 23, taking over from Micah Hyde
. However on 29 September he was replaced as captain by Russell Martin
, less than two months later. Peterborough Manager Darren Ferguson
put the decision down to Morgan's involvement with the Welsh national team, which often saw him miss while on international duty, stating: "Craig did fine, it's nothing about that, he was just missing games." Despite losing the captaincy, he remained a regular first-team player and helped the side to their second consecutive promotion after forming a defensive partnership with Gabriel Zakuani
, finishing as runners-up to Leicester City
and reaching the Football League Championship
. During the summer break after the 2008–09 season, Morgan became Peterborough's all-time record international appearance maker by winning his 14th cap for Wales in a friendly against Estonia
.
for a fee in the region of £400,000.
side on 24 September 2001 in a 2–0 friendly win over Scotland
, going on to win 6 caps for the side before moving up to under-19
and under-21
levels.
He made his debut for the Wales
senior side on 11 October 2006 in a 3–1 win over Cyprus
at the Millennium Stadium
during the qualifying campaign for Euro 2008.
Peterborough United
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
footballer who currently plays as a defender
Defender (association football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
for Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
side Preston North End
Preston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
.
After beginning his career with spells at Wrexham, where he helped win the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
in 2005, and Milton Keynes Dons
Milton Keynes Dons F.C.
.Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is an English professional football club founded in 2004 and based since 2007 at Stadium mk, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire...
, he joined Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
in January 2007 after a short loan spell, helping the club reach the Football League Championship by winning consecutive promotions in the 2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons.
Wrexham
Morgan began his career as a youth player at Wrexham, making his professional debut at the end of the 2001–02 as a substitute during a 5–0 win over Cambridge UnitedCambridge United F.C.
Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club from Cambridge, England. They are currently playing the 2011-2012 season in the Conference National, the fifth tier of the English league system, where they have competed since 2005 following their relegation from the Football League...
at the age of 16, a game which confirmed Wrexham's relegation to Division Three
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
, and was handed a second substitute appearance the following week in a 1–0 defeat to Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
. Morgan remained a bit part player the following season, although he did score his first professional goal during his first appearance of the season on 5 October 2002 in a 2–2 draw with Cambridge United., making seven appearances in all competitions as Wrexham gained promotion back into Division Two
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
at the first attempt.In Welsh tongue his nickname is dogdoo, which loosely translates as canine excrement which is his style of play.
The 2003–04 season saw Morgan begin to establish himself in the Wrexham first team, making 21 appearances in all competitions as the club mostly stayed clear of a relegation battle with a 13th placed finish. During the latter part of the season, Morgan was sent off for the first time in his professional career, in a 0–0 draw with Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
on 27 March 2004. The following season saw him make his most amount of appearances in a single season for Wrexham, including playing in all six of the team's matches as they won the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
, beating Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
2–0 in the final at the Millennium Stadium
Millennium Stadium
The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage...
. However the season ended in disappointment for the team as they were relegated back into Division Three after being docked ten points due to entering administration.
Milton Keynes Dons
Following relegation, Morgan, who was out of contract with the club, entered into talks over a new contract but rejected the first offer made by Wrexham stating: "Wrexham have been a great club for me, I understand their financial problems, but I'm not happy with my offer." Two weeks later Morgan's departure from Wrexham was confirmed, signing a two-year contract with League OneFootball League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Milton Keynes Dons
Milton Keynes Dons F.C.
.Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is an English professional football club founded in 2004 and based since 2007 at Stadium mk, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire...
, who had previously been warned by Wrexham boss Denis Smith over their attempts to sign him, for an undisclosed five-figure transfer fee.
He made his debut for his new club on 6 August 2005, the opening day of the 2005–06 season, in a 2–2 draw with Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth
A.F.C. Bournemouth is an English football club currently playing in Football League One. The club plays at Dean Court in Kings Park, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset and have been in existence since 1899....
, and appeared in 47 during the season which ended in relegation from Division Two. After starting the next season in the first-team, Morgan fell out of favour and was allowed to return to his first club Wrexham on a one-month loan deal, one week after making his debut for Wales, becoming the first Milton Keynes Dons player to win an international cap since the team's relocation. He made two appearances during his loan spell before returning to the National Hockey Stadium
National Hockey Stadium
The National Hockey Stadium was a sports stadium in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, with a nominal capacity of around 4,000 seats . It was used by England Hockey as their national stadium from 1995 to 2003 and as a professional football stadium from 2003 to 2007...
where he did not make another appearance before being sent out on loan again on 23 November 2006, this time to Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
, until January 2007.
Peterborough United
He made his debut for The Posh on 2 December 2006 in a 2–1 win over Tranmere RoversTranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
in the second round of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
as an 85th minute substitute for Shane Huke
Shane Huke
Shane Huke is an English-born Australian football player for Blue Square South club Dover Athletic-Club career:He began his career with Peterborough United, and scored his first competitive goal in his career on 25 November 2006, against Torquay United, a match which Peterborough won 5–2...
. After impressing during his initial loan spell, having made seven appearances, his move was made permanent on 2 January on a free transfer. He quickly established himself in the first team and scored his first goal for the club in a 2–0 victory over Notts County
Notts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
on 3 March 2007.
In the 2007–08 season he made 41 league appearances, as well as signing a new three-year contract in February 2008, as the club won promotion to League One by finishing as runners-up to Milton Keynes Dons. Ahead of the clubs League One campaign in the 2008–09 season, Morgan was handed the captaincy of the team at the age of just 23, taking over from Micah Hyde
Micah Hyde
Micah Anthony Hyde is an English-born Jamaican footballer who plays for Isthmian League Premier Division club Aveley.- Biography :...
. However on 29 September he was replaced as captain by Russell Martin
Russell Martin (footballer)
Russell Kenneth Alexander Martin is an English-born Scottish footballer, currently playing for Norwich City. He is a right-back. However he is capable of playing as a central defender.-Early career:...
, less than two months later. Peterborough Manager Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson
Darren Ferguson is a Scottish football manager and former player, currently in his second spell as the manager of Peterborough United...
put the decision down to Morgan's involvement with the Welsh national team, which often saw him miss while on international duty, stating: "Craig did fine, it's nothing about that, he was just missing games." Despite losing the captaincy, he remained a regular first-team player and helped the side to their second consecutive promotion after forming a defensive partnership with Gabriel Zakuani
Gabriel Zakuani
Gabriel Zakuani is a Congolese professional footballer. He currently plays for Peterborough United.-Leyton Orient:...
, finishing as runners-up to Leicester City
Leicester City F.C.
Leicester City Football Club , also known as The Foxes, is an English professional football club based at the King Power Stadium in Leicester...
and reaching the Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
. During the summer break after the 2008–09 season, Morgan became Peterborough's all-time record international appearance maker by winning his 14th cap for Wales in a friendly against Estonia
Estonia national football team
The Estonia national football team represents Estonia in international association football. Team members are selected by the head coach of Estonian Football Association . Estonia play their home matches at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, Estonia....
.
Preston North End
On 6 July 2010, Morgan joined Preston North EndPreston North End F.C.
Preston North End Football Club is an English professional football club located in the Deepdale area of the city of Preston, Lancashire, currently playing in the third tier of English league football, League One...
for a fee in the region of £400,000.
International career
Morgan made his debut for the Wales under-17Wales national under-17 football team
The Wales national under-17 football team is the national under-17 football team of Wales and is controlled by the Football Association of Wales.-Current squad:...
side on 24 September 2001 in a 2–0 friendly win over Scotland
Scotland national under-17 football team
The Scotland national under-17 football team, controlled by the Scottish Football Association, is Scotland's national under 17 football team and is considered to be a feeder team for the Scotland national football team. The team represents Scotland in international Under 17 competitions such as the...
, going on to win 6 caps for the side before moving up to under-19
Wales national under-19 football team
The Wales national under-19 football team is the national under-19 football team of Wales and is controlled by the Football Association of Wales. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship held every year.-Recent history:...
and under-21
Wales national under-21 football team
The Wales national under-21 football team, also known as the Wales U21s, is the national under-21 football team of Wales and is controlled by the Football Association of Wales. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
levels.
He made his debut for the Wales
Wales national football team
The Wales national football team represents Wales in international football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales , the governing body for football in Wales, and the third oldest national football association in the world. The team have only qualified for a major international...
senior side on 11 October 2006 in a 3–1 win over Cyprus
Cyprus national football team
The Cyprus national football team represents Cyprus in association football and is controlled by the Cyprus Football Association, the governing body for football in Cyprus. Cyprus' home ground is the GSP Stadium in Nicosia and the current coach is Nikos Nioplias...
at the Millennium Stadium
Millennium Stadium
The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage...
during the qualifying campaign for Euro 2008.
Career statistics
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | App | Goals | ||
| Wrexham | 2001–02 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2002–03 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2003–04 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 21 | 0 | |
| 2004–05 | 26 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 34 | 1 | |
| Wrexham (loan) | 2006–07 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Subtotal | 53 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 66 | 2 | |
| Milton Keynes Dons Milton Keynes Dons F.C. .Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is an English professional football club founded in 2004 and based since 2007 at Stadium mk, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire... |
2005–06 | 40 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 47 | 0 |
| 2006–07 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| Subtotal | 43 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 51 | 0 | |
| Peterborough United Peterborough United F.C. Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is... (loan) |
2006–07 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Peterborough United Peterborough United F.C. Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is... |
2006–07 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 1 |
| 2007–08 | 41 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 2 | |
| 2008–09 2008–09 in English football The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while... |
27 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 34 | 0 | |
| 2009–10 2009–10 in English football The 2009–10 season was the 130th season of competitive football in England.The season began on 8 August 2009 for the Championship, League One and League Two and 15 August 2009 for the Premier League... |
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| Subtotal | 107 | 3 | 12 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 125 | 3 | |
| Total | 203 | 4 | 18 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 242 | 5 | |
Honours
Wrexham- Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
Winner: 1
-
- 2004–052004-05 in English footballThe 2004–05 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League...
- 2004–05
Peterborough United
- League TwoFootball League TwoFootball League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
Runner-Up: 1
-
- 2007–082007-08 in English footballThe 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football in England.-European competitions:In October 2007 Arsenal equalled the UEFA Champions League record victory with a 7–0 win over Slavia Prague at the Emirates Stadium. The record was broken the following month when Liverpool...
- League OneFootball League OneFootball League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
Runner-Up: 1
- League One
- 2008–09
- 2007–08