Tom Craig

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The provided source focuses entirely on Craig Gordon's journey, beginning with his start at Currie Boys and his progression through the Hearts youth system. It highlights his loan spell at Cowdenbeath in 2001–02 and his rise to become Hearts' first-choice keeper between 2003 and 2007, where he won the Scottish Cup in 2005–06 by saving a penalty against Gretna. The text details his £9 million transfer to Sunderland in August 2007, noting it was then a British record fee for a goalkeeper. His time at Sunderland was marred by injuries, including a broken arm in November 2008 and another fracture during training in 2010, leading to his release in 2012 after two years out of the game.

In Their Own Story

Gordon returned to football in July 2014 with Celtic, where he secured five Scottish league titles, two Scottish Cups, and four League Cups. He was instrumental in three domestic trebles during the 2016–17, 2017–18, and 2018–19 seasons before returning to Hearts in June 2020. Internationally, he was Scotland's regular goalkeeper between 2004 and 2010, making his 50th appearance in 2017. The source states he was selected for UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the oldest footballer to play for Scotland in June 2024 before retiring in July 2026. His accolades include being voted SFWA Footballer of the Year in 2006, 2015, and 2022.

Reader's Guide

To learn about Craig Gordon's career using this source, focus on his specific achievements: winning the Scottish Youth Cup with Hearts in 1999–2000 and the SPL Under-18 League in 2000–01 under manager John McGlynn. Note his debut for Hearts on 6 October 2002 against Livingston and his first European appearance on 6 November 2003 against Bordeaux. The text also records his involvement in the 'Riccarton Three' statement in late 2006 regarding club unrest, which led to him being named captain shortly after. For Sunderland fans, the source notes his debut on a 1–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and a stunning reflex save against Zat Knight in December 2010.

Did You Know?

• Craig Gordon was the youngest player ever inducted into the Hearts Hall of Fame at age 24 on 8 November 2007.
• His £9 million transfer to Sunderland in 2007 set a then-British record fee for a goalkeeper.
• Gordon saved a penalty from Derek Townsley in the shootout that secured the Scottish Cup for Hearts in 2005–06.
• He became the oldest footballer to play for Scotland in June 2024 before retiring in July 2026.
• Craig Gordon won SFWA Footballer of the Year three times: in 2006, 2015, and 2022.