Gary Croft
Encyclopedia
Gary Croft is a former English football
player who played as a left back. He played as a professional between 1992 and 2008 notably for Grimsby Town
, Blackburn Rovers
and Ipswich Town
, having also had spells with Wigan Athletic
, Cardiff City
and Lincoln City
. He is most famous nationwide for being the first footballer to play whilst wearing an electronic tag
, when playing for Ipswich Town
.
Croft made his England under-21s debut against Brazil under-21s on 6 June 1995, David Beckham
also made his debut in the same match.
youth setup in 1992, and was handed his first team debut by Alan Buckley
shortly afterwards. Croft started as a left-back, but also filled in as a makeshift right back in John McDermott
's absence, as well as also being known to cover central midfield, left midfield, right midfield and even as a support striker. Croft became an integral part of the Blundell Park
setup and was one of a number of successful professional footballers in the mid nineties who came from the club, others included the likes of Jack Lester
, Danny Butterfield
and John Oster
. His performances in the second tier of English football had attracted interest for a number of Premier League teams. His versatility and composure on the ball led to interest from Blackburn Rovers
in 1996 who had won the Premier League title in the previous season.
, but although not usually a regular for the Rovers he would feature more on oy Hodgson. Croft made over 50 appearances for the club and played Premier League football for them until he made a move to Ipswich Town
in 1999.
. It was while at Ipswich that Croft became the first footballer to play whilst wearing an electronic tag
. Injury problems hampered the second half of Croft's time at Ipswich and after a loan spell with Wigan Athletic
he was released.
, Croft moved to Wales
and signed for Cardiff City
. However, following more injury woe, Croft was sidelined for the majority of his stay at Ninian Park
and, following his team's rise up the league table, he was deemed surplus to requirements and was released at the end of the 2004/2005 season.
joining first on trial, and then two weeks later signing on a permanent basis. He struggled to break into the Grimsby side in his preferred position of left back due to the good performances of Tom Newey
, but, due to an injury to veteran John McDermott, Croft played the majority of his first season at right back under Russell Slade
. After two seasons at Grimsby, Croft was released by new manager Alan Buckley
. There was acrimony between the two, with the local press running an interview with Croft, but Buckley denying there had been any problems.
following a trial with Burton Albion
. Croft was released after twelve months at Sincil Bank
after suffering further injuries an receiving several red cards.
, with a move to the USA to play in the National Soccer League
also mooted. Neither options came to fruition and Croft retired from the game. He is currently obtaining his UEFA coaches badges, has also joined the Compass FM commentary team as expert summariser for Grimsby Town's matches, and continues to be involved with a local Grimsby/Cleethorpes area Estate Agent that he and relatives founded around the time of his second Mariners spell.
In July 2011, Croft agreed in principle to act in an upcoming British feature movie Dead Lies
.
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
player who played as a left back. He played as a professional between 1992 and 2008 notably for Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
, Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
and Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
, having also had spells with Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
, Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
and Lincoln City
Lincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
. He is most famous nationwide for being the first footballer to play whilst wearing an electronic tag
Electronic tagging
Electronic tagging is a form of non-surreptitious surveillance consisting of an electronic device attached to a person or vehicle, especially certain criminals, allowing their whereabouts to be monitored. In general, devices locate themselves using GPS and report their position back to a control...
, when playing for Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
.
Croft made his England under-21s debut against Brazil under-21s on 6 June 1995, David Beckham
David Beckham
David Robert Joseph Beckham, OBE is an English footballer who plays midfield for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer, having previously played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, and A.C...
also made his debut in the same match.
Grimsby Town
Gary Croft graduated from the Grimsby TownGrimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
youth setup in 1992, and was handed his first team debut by Alan Buckley
Alan Buckley
Alan Peter Buckley is an English football manager. He was manager of League Two side Grimsby Town until his dismissal in September 2008...
shortly afterwards. Croft started as a left-back, but also filled in as a makeshift right back in John McDermott
John McDermott
John McDermott may refer to:*John McDermott , American athlete*John McDermott , former Grimsby Town footballer*John McDermott , former Meath Gaelic footballer*John McDermott , British boxer...
's absence, as well as also being known to cover central midfield, left midfield, right midfield and even as a support striker. Croft became an integral part of the Blundell Park
Blundell Park
Blundell Park is a football ground in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, England and home to Grimsby Town Football Club. The stadium was built in 1898, but only one of the original stands remain. The current capacity of the ground is 9546, though with the introduction of all seating in the late...
setup and was one of a number of successful professional footballers in the mid nineties who came from the club, others included the likes of Jack Lester
Jack Lester
Jack William Lester is an English professional footballer, currently playing for English Football League One side Chesterfield. He plays either as a striker or an attacking midfielder...
, Danny Butterfield
Danny Butterfield
Daniel Paul "Danny" Butterfield is an English professional footballer who plays for Southampton. He has previously played for Grimsby Town, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic in The Championship. He has also represented Palace in the Premier League. He is primarily utilised as a right back...
and John Oster
John Oster
John Morgan Oster is an English born Welsh international footballer, who plays as a midfielder for Football League Championship club Doncaster Rovers. Oster progressed through the youth ranks at Grimsby Town before moving on to Premier League Everton...
. His performances in the second tier of English football had attracted interest for a number of Premier League teams. His versatility and composure on the ball led to interest from Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
in 1996 who had won the Premier League title in the previous season.
Blackburn Rovers
Croft transferred to Blackburn for £1.6 million in 1996, brought to the club by Ray HarfordRay Harford
Raymond Thomas Harford was an English footballer, better known for his successes as a coach and manager than as a player. He is considered to have been one of the top coaches of his generation.-Playing career:...
, but although not usually a regular for the Rovers he would feature more on oy Hodgson. Croft made over 50 appearances for the club and played Premier League football for them until he made a move to Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
in 1999.
Ipswich Town
Croft returned to the Premiership with Ipswich Town in 2000, and was a first team regular in the side managed by George BurleyGeorge Burley
George Elder Burley is a Scottish football manager and former player and manager, formerly the manager of Crystal Palace Football Club. Burley had a professional career spanning 21 years as a player making 628 appearances and earning 11 Scotland caps...
. It was while at Ipswich that Croft became the first footballer to play whilst wearing an electronic tag
Electronic tagging
Electronic tagging is a form of non-surreptitious surveillance consisting of an electronic device attached to a person or vehicle, especially certain criminals, allowing their whereabouts to be monitored. In general, devices locate themselves using GPS and report their position back to a control...
. Injury problems hampered the second half of Croft's time at Ipswich and after a loan spell with Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
he was released.
Cardiff City
Following his release from Portman RoadPortman Road
Portman Road is an association football stadium in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. It has been the home ground of Ipswich Town F.C. since 1884. The stadium has also hosted a number of England youth international matches, and one senior England friendly international match, against Croatia in 2003...
, Croft moved to Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
and signed for Cardiff City
Cardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
. However, following more injury woe, Croft was sidelined for the majority of his stay at Ninian Park
Ninian Park
Ninian Park was a football stadium in Leckwith, Cardiff, Wales. Until 2009, it was the home ground of Cardiff City F.C., who compete in the English Football League Championship...
and, following his team's rise up the league table, he was deemed surplus to requirements and was released at the end of the 2004/2005 season.
Grimsby Town (second spell)
In July 2005, Croft made a return to his first club Grimsby TownGrimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
joining first on trial, and then two weeks later signing on a permanent basis. He struggled to break into the Grimsby side in his preferred position of left back due to the good performances of Tom Newey
Tom Newey
Thomas William "Tom" Newey is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Football League Two side Rotherham United...
, but, due to an injury to veteran John McDermott, Croft played the majority of his first season at right back under Russell Slade
Russell Slade
Russell Slade is an English football manager currently in charge of League One side Leyton Orient.-Notts County:Slade was assistant manager to Mick Walker at Notts County, and took over as caretaker manager when Walker was sacked in September 1994. When County appointed Howard Kendall as manager...
. After two seasons at Grimsby, Croft was released by new manager Alan Buckley
Alan Buckley
Alan Peter Buckley is an English football manager. He was manager of League Two side Grimsby Town until his dismissal in September 2008...
. There was acrimony between the two, with the local press running an interview with Croft, but Buckley denying there had been any problems.
Lincoln City
In a surprise move Croft's next port of call, was Lincoln CityLincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
following a trial with Burton Albion
Burton Albion F.C.
Burton Albion Football Club are a professional English football club based in the town of Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The club's home ground is the Pirelli Stadium, having moved from Eton Park in 2005...
. Croft was released after twelve months at Sincil Bank
Sincil Bank
Sincil Bank is a football stadium in Lincoln, England and has been the home of Lincoln City since 1895. Previously, Lincoln City had played at the nearby John O'Gaunts ground since the club's 1884 inception. Sincil Bank has an overall capacity of 10,120 and is colloquially known to fans as "The...
after suffering further injuries an receiving several red cards.
Retirement
In June 2008 he was reported to be in discussions with Hucknall TownHucknall Town F.C.
Hucknall Town F.C. are an English football club based in the town of Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. The club are members of the Northern Premier League Premier Division and play at Watnall Road.-History:...
, with a move to the USA to play in the National Soccer League
National Soccer League (indoor)
HistoryThe National Soccer League is a proposed indoor soccer league scheduled to begin play in the summer of 2008 / . So far the league has played two NSL Select games in Cleveland and Laredo, Texas to test interest....
also mooted. Neither options came to fruition and Croft retired from the game. He is currently obtaining his UEFA coaches badges, has also joined the Compass FM commentary team as expert summariser for Grimsby Town's matches, and continues to be involved with a local Grimsby/Cleethorpes area Estate Agent that he and relatives founded around the time of his second Mariners spell.
In July 2011, Croft agreed in principle to act in an upcoming British feature movie Dead Lies
Dead Lies
- Plot :On her twelfth birthday a girl starts having nightmares, these dreams start to unearth a tangled web of lies and criminal activity. - Cast :*Gary Croft*David Anderson*Simon Burbage*Tanya Smith*Amy MarsdenMore to be confirmed- Origins :...
.
Cardiff City
- Football League Division Two play-off winner: 1
-
- 2002-03The Football League 2002-03The 2002–2003 season was the 103rd completed season of The Football League.-Football League First Division:Portsmouth won the First Division by some distance, passing manager Harry Redknapp’s old club, West Ham on the way down. Leicester City earned a somewhat controversial promotion, as...
- 2002-03
Grimsby Town
- Football 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....
Play-off runner-up: 1
-
- 2005-062005-06 in English footballThe 2005–06 season was the 126th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:*The rebuilt Wembley Stadium was due to open in time for the FA Cup final in May. However, in August 2005, The Football Association reserved the Millennium Stadium as a backup, as there was some doubt whether...
- Supporters Player of the Year: 1
- 1995
- Supporters Young Player of the Year: 1
- 1993, 1994, 1995
- 2005-06
Ipswich Town
- First DivisionFootball League First DivisionThe First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
playoff winner: 1
-
- 2000