Tony Craig joins Rovers

Feb 1, 2018 | News

The former Millwall captain, who was on the bench for The Lions’ goalless draw at The New Den against Derby on Tuesday evening, joins Rovers ahead of Saturday’s game against Shrewsbury Town.

Rovers boss Darrell Clarke said today; “I am delighted to secure the services of a very experienced player who has appeared in almost 500 senior games.

“The younger players in the squad will benefit from having Tony alongside them on the pitch and his influence in the dressing room.

“I’m sure that our supporters will enjoy seeing him in the blue and white quarters and that they will welcome him to the club.”

Speaking about the move, the defender insisted that he’s looking forward to the new challenge ahead of him here at the Memorial Stadium and touched upon what attracted him to sign.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said the defender.

“I have heard great things about this football club and I’m looking forward to settling into Bristol.

“I heard about the interest a few weeks back and I’m so pleased that everything is over the line now and I’m here.”

Touching upon his the reason behind the move, the defender signalled that he was pleased to join the ranks of an ambitions outfit here at the Mem.

“Obviously, it’s a club going forward.”

“Recently they have been able to pick up some good results on the pitch and they have a good Manager in Darrell Clarke, who is someone I have spoken with on a few occasions.”

“During my discussions with Darrell, I have been impressed with what he has to say and I look forward to working with him.”

Craig has enjoyed four spells with the club he first joined as a youngster in 2003. He went out on loan to Wycombe Wanderers prior to a move to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2007.

He returned to Millwall in a one month loan deal in March 2008 and joined the club again, on a permanent basis, in July of that year.

He went on loan to Leyton Orient in November 2011, and signed a permanent deal with Brentford in July 2012, going on to make over 100 appearances for the Griffin Park outfit in a three year spell with the club.

July 2015 saw him return to The New Den and last season he skippered the side that clinched promotion to The Championship via the play offs as they beat Bradford City at Wembley after defeating Scunthorpe United at the semi final stage.

The play off place was clinched here at The Memorial Stadium with a 4-3 win against Rovers when he scored one of the London club’s goals.

Having appeared in 57 games in all competitions for The Lions last season, Tony has made four Championship and four Cup appearances this time around, his last start coming in last Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Rochdale.

Watch Tony’s full interview as a Rovers player below.