Tony Craig, a veteran defender, has retired from football at the age of 40 after suffering a leg injury. He broke his fibula while playing for Dorking Wanderers in a match against Horsham.
Tony Craig lifts the trophy after captaining Millwall to victory in the 2017 League One play-offs
Tony Craig captained Millwall to victory in the 2017 League One play-offs [Shutterstock]
Former Brentford, Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Crawley Town defender Tony Craig has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40.
Craig, who made his professional debut almost 23 years ago, has taken the decision after breaking his leg while playing for National League South side Dorking Wanderers.
He fractured his fibula during the 3-0 loss at Horsham on Good Friday.
It brings to an end a career that has seen Craig play 825 times across all three tiers of the English Football League and both tiers of the National League.
He won two League One play-off finals with Millwall - in 2010 and 2017, when he captained the club to victory over Bradford City at Wembley - and was Brentford's Players' Player of the Year when the Bees won promotion from League One in 2014.
He spent the vast majority of his career playing in London - he also had a season with Crystal Palace and spent time on loan at Leyton Orient - but will be best remembered for his time at Millwall and Brentford.
He made 325 appearances across three spells for Millwall where he made his debut on in April 2003 against Nottingham Forest in what is now the Championship.
He stayed at the club until 2007 before joining Palace, only to return first on loan the following March and then permanently that summer.
Tony Craig's career ended in non-league football with Dorking Wanderers [Shutterstock]
His Millwall career ended when he left on a free transfer in February 2018 for Bristol Rovers before a three-year spell at Crawley Town and three more at Dorking.
He has also gone into coaching and is currently working with Millwall's academy sides having also trained young players while he was at Bristol Rovers.
"I am so proud of what Tony has achieved in his career, and feel privileged that we are able to recognise what has been an outstanding contribution to the game," Dorking manager Marc White told the club website.
"Tony is old school, a consummate professional, fitter in his 40s than people half his age and has ultimately finished his career playing against players that could only dream of what Tony has achieved.
"A fan's favourite at every club he has played for due to his unwavering will to win, Tony is an example to all young footballers.
"All of us at Dorking Wanderers have loved having Tony and his family around for the past four years and I want to thank him personally for everything he has done for the club and for the high professional standards he has shown.
"Tony has given everything to the game, and the game has rewarded Tony with incredible success and memories. A warrior. A true footballing legend."
Tony Craig retired after breaking his fibula while playing for Dorking Wanderers.
How old is Tony Craig at the time of his retirement?
Tony Craig is 40 years old at the time of his retirement.
What teams did Tony Craig play for during his career?
Tony Craig played for Brentford, Millwall, Bristol Rovers, and Crawley Town during his career.
When did Tony Craig make his professional debut?
Tony Craig made his professional debut almost 23 years ago.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Wings stifle Fudd-Bueckers relationship questions
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Terry Rozier Co-Conspirator Damon Jones To Change Plea To Guilty
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.