Tom Craddock

Tom Craddock

Born Darlington, County Durham. Went through the youth system at Middlesbrough and signed professional in March 2005. Went out on loan to Wrexham and Hartlepool before signing for the Town on loan in October 2008. His first two goals came in his second game against Grimsby away in a 2 2 draw in October 2008. He continued to impress and while waiting for word on Tom’s permanent transfer to Luton, Manager Mick Harford said -

"Tom's come into the football club and he's a great kid, with an infectious attitude and he wants to become a footballer. We would love to extend it and keep him here for a bit longer."

Mick Harford got his way and the move was made permanent in an £80,000 deal in January 2009. His goal scoring prowess and decision to sign permanently delighted Luton fans who sang -

Tom Craddock whooaa
Tom Craddock whooaa
He turned the Boro down
To play for Luton Town.

Tom would score 38 goals in 86 appearances for the Hatters. His goal at Wembley against Scunthorpe United in the final of the Football League Trophy almost won it for the Hatters. A late Scunny equaliser did not affect the glory of the day. Tom was linked with a big money move but it never materialised. It did not affect him as he scored 24 goals in the 2009/10 season in the Conference including the first hat-trick of his career in a 6 3 win over Histon. He and Claude Gnapka were named in the Conference Team of the Season.

On transfer deadline day in August 2010 Tom signed a three year deal for Oxford United for a £50,000 fee. Tom played 88 appearances scoring 27 goals with a knee injury reducing his playing time. He was released in 2013 at the end of his contract. A two year deal with Portsmouth followed but the next two seasons were dogged by injuries and he managed just one goal in 11 games. a season at Guiseley followed where he scored 3 goals in 36 games. Spennymoor Town was his last port of call from June 2016 until he retired in January 2017.

Tom is now a PE teacher at his old college in Darlington.