In memoriam: Graeme Crawford

Scunthorpe United is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Graeme Crawford at the age of 77 following a long illness.

Born in Falkirk, Scotland, Crawford would feature for a number of clubs, but it would be his stints at York City and the Iron which would be most prominent in his career.

A goalkeeper by trade, Crawford would start at East Stirlingshire in 1967-68 before spending three years at Sheffield United where he would make a couple of appearances, while spending a short time on loan at Mansfield Town in 1971, playing another two games.

The Minstermen would be where he made his name as a shot stopper, playing a total of 280 appearances during two stints for the club between 1971 and 1980, with his Scunthorpe spell sandwiching the two periods with the side. During the 1973-74 season, he would keep 11 successive clean sheets, equalling a then-Football League record en route to promotion to Division Two.

Crawford joined the Iron in 1977 and would stay for three seasons, making in excess of 100 appearances at the Old Show Ground before returning to York for the aforementioned second stint. While at the club, Crawford would be named player of the year in 1978-79.

In 1980, he would move on to Rochdale, making another 70 appearances in his career over a three-year spell before completing another trio of seasons at Scarborough, falling just short of a century of appearances for the side.

Following retirement, Crawford continued to support York City, and was a season ticket holder at the LNER Community Stadium, attending games until only a few weeks ago.

Everyone at Scunthorpe United would like to send their thoughts and condolences to Graeme's family and friends at this sad time.