Defender watches his new team mates draw 0-0 with Partick
Stephen Crainey says the ‘unbelievable progress’ of Fleetwood Town was a big incentive in his decision to join the Club after signing ahead of the new season.The 33-year-old full back put pen to paper ahead of the Cod Army’s final pre-season game against Partick Thistle after being part of Wigan Athletic’s push for promotion back to the Premier League last season.
Crainey, who was also part of the Blackpool team that were promoted to the top flight in 2010, also insisted that the Club’s promotion to League One will not be the end and wants to be part of a squad continuing the momentous progression through the leagues.
Speaking to the Club’s official website, Town’s latest recruit said: “I’m looking forward to getting started and getting to know the lads and hopefully we can have a good season together.
“I found out about (the move) a couple of weeks ago. I met the gaffer and it was really appealing. I’m glad that we have got it sorted and I can’t wait to get started.
“The last couple of years, the progress has been unbelievable. Even when I was at Blackpool I came to a couple of games.
“I’m delighted to be joining up and coming to the club. We want to keep progressing and hopefully we can keep doing that this season.
“It’s going to be a tough season. League One is a tough division, but if we get a good squad together then I’m sure it is going to be a successful year.”
After playing a significant part in Wigan’s push for promotion last season, Crainey also was close to picking up medals in other competitions.
The Scottish defender, who has also represented his country on 12 occasions, played in the heart breaking FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal as well as the Charity Shield clash with Manchester United at the start of last season.
With the experience of playing inside some of England’s biggest stadiums behind him, Crainey is hoping he can tap into that as Town travel across the country this season, but he believes the Cod Army are set up for another successful season.
“I played in the Charity Shield against Manchester United when we lost 2-0 and I played in the semi-final of the FA Cup and we lost on penalties.
“That’s what you want as a footballer, you want to play in big games and big stadiums and the lads showed that at Wembley last season as well.
“We will be playing in a few big stadiums this year, like at Sheffield United, it’s going to be an interesting season, one that the squad and the lads are looking forward to.”
After Town’s friendly with Partick finished goalless, the Club’s preparation for League One football is now complete and Crainey is hoping Fleetwood can get life in the third division off to a perfect start next week when they face Crewe Alexandra.
“It’s come around really quick. That’s what you want, you do all the pre-season work and it all goes towards the first game of the season so hopefully we can have a good start against Crewe.”