Craig Brewster

Craig Brewster’s career should have been drawing to a close when he joined Dunfermline as a 35 year old in 2002. Instead he formed an inspirational partnership with Stevie Crawford as the Pars played their most productive football since the 1960s.

Beginning as a goalscoring midfielder with Forfar Athletic, Craig was converted to striker when he joined Raith Rovers, forming a lethal combination with Gordon Dalziel as the club lifted the First Division in 1993.

A year later came the highlight of his career scoring the winning goal for his boyhood heroes Dundee United against Rangers in the 1994 Scottish Cup Final.

One of the few Scottish players to enjoy an extended the period abroad playing for five years with Ionikos in Greece from 1996. Craig returned to join Hibs in 2001 and used his experience to bring on a young Gary O’Connor. His ability to hold the ball, allied with great vision and passing, then brought the best out of Stevie Crawford but after 29 goals in 96 appearances he left Dunfermline in November 2004 to become player/manager at Inverness Caley Thistle.

As well as scoring a creditable 11 goals in 32 matches he helped to establish the club in the Premier League but his subsequent managerial career in Scotland, including a second stint with Caley Thistle proved disappointing.