February 03, 2006

Andy Craig leaves for Leeds Tykes

Posted by Editor on February 3, 2006 04:39 PM | 8 comments | Print | E-mail author

Andy Craig will be leaving Glasgow to join Leeds Tykes
Glasgow Warriors and Scotland centre Andy Craig has requested an early release from his Glasgow contract.

Warriors and Scottish Rugby management have agreed to release the 23 times capped mid-fielder who is due to move to Leeds Tykes.

The process of sourcing a replacement for the Glasgow midfield is underway – an announcement of which will be made in due course.

Warriors head coach Hugh Campbell said: "Andy's contract was due to finish with us at the end of this season. He requested an early release to pursue his playing elsewhere so it's by mutual agreement that he's leaving the Warriors and we wish him all the very best."

Andy added: "I've enjoyed my playing time and made a lot of good friends at Glasgow and when this chance came to play for Leeds, I thought it'd be another good opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to starting with them."

Comments
Posted by Gordon on February 3, 2006 04:55 PM | Reply to this comment

The news doesn't get any better, does it? Andy's had a pretty raw deal at Glasgow. Hopefully he'll get a chance to show what he can do at Leeds. Best of luck.

Posted by A True Warrior on February 3, 2006 04:58 PM | Reply to this comment

Just like to wish Craigy all the best in the future at Leeds. Unfortunately for Glasgow and himself his time up he was all to often interupted by injury, hope he manages to stay injury free and get a regular run of games under his belt for Leeds.

Posted by pos on February 3, 2006 05:52 PM | Reply to this comment

2 Players in 2 days!!
What is this the start of??
But i wish craigy all the best n hopefully he'll be injury free!!

Posted by JimC on February 3, 2006 08:32 PM | Reply to this comment

Can't have it all ways guys. I wishAndy all the best for the future and would extend my thanks for his efortd at Glasgow. I'm sure that like Paul Dearlove he is also a great guy. But also the reality is )and I know they've both been injured) that the Warrior's results are unacceptable; and both are well down the pecking order for their position. Unpalatable as it is for us supprters, it is the real world.
If we don't want to accept our current position, changes are required. The coaches must make them; and if the changes don't work....................

Posted by duncan on February 3, 2006 09:12 PM | Reply to this comment

Jimc is so off the mark, it isn't funny. Glasgow have been walloped this season and yet Craig and Dearlove, both of whom can play, aren't given a go? In terms of down the pecking order, Frank Hadden thought Paul Dearlove was good enough to be in the Scottish squad in the autumn tests and Andy Craig has been capped 23 times??

Methinks Lineen is a bit of a 'play your favourites' coach. Hugh is straight.

A very sad situation that two quality players (and good men) feel it necessary to request early release from their contracts. Best of luck to both of them - both deserve it.

Posted by JimC on February 3, 2006 09:36 PM | Reply to this comment

Don't think I said its funny, and I dont think it is in any way.I tried to point out the reality. Paul Dearlove is clearly behind Pertie, McFadyen, Wilson, Beattie, Barclay and Swindall in the backrow pecking order IMHO - and from the coaches perspective and selections. Similarly IMHO Andy Craig is at best 3rd choice behind Henderson and Morrison: some would say behind Scott Barrow as well. This again gives limited opportunities for him. So again its no surprise and I'm really pleased for Paul and Andy that they have opportunities elsewhere and have gone to other clubs rather than being simply dumped. BUT the reality is that on current results we need to improve, and our budget is limited: if new (hopefuly squad improving) players are to brought in (fingers crossed) at some point, some players need to be moved on. The management are paid to make hard decisions like these. That is reality, and no, its not funny. It is professional sport.

Posted by duncan on February 3, 2006 10:51 PM | Reply to this comment

We're probably saying the same thing, but McFadyen hasn't played for a year, Wilson for three months, Petrie for thee months until his recent return.

The point is Glasgow are getting thumped each week and the coaches persist in 'blooding the up and coming players" who get thumped each week. How many tries against in the past six matches?

Posted by vicki on February 5, 2006 10:24 PM | Reply to this comment

So sad to see Craigy is off to Leeds. It must have been so frustrating to recover from injury and be unable to break back into the squad. There's no point in a player of his quality spending matches on the bench, so good luck to him in Leeds.

(Interesting to read what has been said about Lineen and his "favourites"...)

Many thanks to Andy for all the support he has given this site during his time in Glasgow.

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