BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Former Celtic and Scotland defender Stephen Crainey has signed for English non-league side AFC Fylde.
The 34-year-old has been without a club since leaving Fleetwood Town during the close season and has been training with League One outfit Barnsley in recent weeks.
However, with Crainey based in nearby Lytham, he has chosen to continue his career with the Kellamergh Park outfit in the Vanarama National League North.
Fylde boss Dave Challinor told the Blackpool Gazette: “It’s a huge signing for us on the pitch, with his quality, and off it too.
“Stephen’s experience is second to none and I think he can have a huge impact around the club.
“He’s a player who has been there and done it, but is known for being professional. He has really good habits on and off the field.”
Crainey, capped 12 times for Scotland, spent seven years at Celtic but struggled to cement a first-team place, eventually departing for spells with Southampton and Leeds United.
He then made over 300 appearances for Blackpool after joining the club in 2007 and was a regular in the English Premier League before stints at Wigan and Fleetwood.
