Find out a bit more about our new defender...
So what is there to know about Stephen Crainey?- Born on 22 June 1981, in Glasgow, Stephen Crainey began his playing career with Scottish Premiership side Celtic where he rose through the Academy to the first team.
- Town’s latest signing went on to make 58 appearances for the Hoops and was part of the squad that were crowned Scottish Champions in 2001/02, and only the year previous, he picked up a League Cup medal.
- As well as experiencing Champions League football on numerous occasions whilst at the Parkhead Club, Crainey also helped Celtic reach the final of the 2002/03 UEFA Cup in Seville, where they were defeated 3-2 by Porto.
- His early form earned him a move to Premier League Club Southampton, but the full back only went on to make five appearances before he was on the move again, but this time, to the most successful stint of his career.
- After spending three seasons with Leeds United, Crainey moved further up north to join Simon Grayson’s Blackpool in 2007.
- In his first season with the Tangerines, Crainey scooped the Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Supporters’ Player of the Season after making 43 appearances in all competitions.
- Crainey played the full game alongside current Town midfielder, Keith Southern, as the Tangerines defeated Cardiff City in the Wembley final in 2010 to make his first return to the top flight since leaving Southampton.
- Just the one season followed in the top flight as Crainey came back from injury to cement his place back in their left back position, but Ian Holloway’s side were relegated on the final day of the season.
- Three more seasons followed, before Crainey opted for a new challenge with Wigan Athletic last season following their relegation from the Premier League.
- Now 33, Crainey made 15 appearances for the Lactics as they reached the Championship Play-Offs, but decided to opt for a new challenge with the Cod Army after his contract expired at the end of the season.
- Crainey has also represented his nation and has been capped by Scotland 12 times after making his debut against France in March 2002.