Craig Stark

LUFC had for some time been hoping to do a feature on long serving club captain Starky- who is, at  the ripe old age of 31, about to begin his 14th season with Lanark- so I'm delighted that he agreed to answer these questions on his Yowes' career for the website. Many thanks to the big man.

The highlight of Starky's career- no not having his photie taken with Jim O'Donnell- getting his mitts on the Evening Times Cup. He also won the Man-of-the-Match award in that game.

*****

Site Ed: Did you think that when you signed for Lanark, you'd still be playing for them 14 years later?

Craig Stark: "No, time isn't long going in." 

Ed: Do you recall any details of your debut?

CS: "Can't remember debut it was that long ago."

Ed: Some bloke name of Pillans likes to tell me that you two signed together, and he taught you everything you know about defending. Any idea what happened to him? Was he any good?

CS: "Aye, Pillans took me under his wing. The only thing I learned from him was how to drink. He even left me lying up a close after one of his benders."

Ed: You've been very loyal to Lanark Utd. Were they the only team you wanted to play for?  

CS: "I've enjoyed playing with Lanark, they are well run."

Ed: Did you have any offers to play for other clubs? If so can you say which one(s)?  

CS: "Don't really know if any other teams tried to sign me. Think Tam signed me on one of those 10 year deals."

Ed: Best player you played with/against at Lanark?

CS: "When I first went to Lanark I played with Eddie Farrell. Recently I think Dougie Imrie was a good player. However I think Tam Hanlon is the best player, if only his social life was a bit quieter. Plus I think that young Craig Miles has a bit to offer, I think next year will be good for him. Best player I played against was a young Eddie Mc Guiness. His runs into the box were a nightmare to play against"

Ed: Highlight of your career so far (other than playing alongside legend in defence)? 

CS: "Probably winning the Evening Times trophy [in season 2004/05]. We beat some big teams on the way."

Ed: Most memorable game?

CS: "Think beating Lesmahagow in the Scottish Cup [at Craighead Park, season 2004/05]. Dougie Imrie was brilliant that day and we scored a winner in the last minute."

Ed: Biggest disappointment in career?

CS: "Plenty disappointments, even this year we should have won the league. Plus to get so far in the Scottish Cup, don't think there's a great gap to winning that."

Ed: Plans for the future? Do you intend to end your career with Lanark if possible?

CS: "Started a new job so I don't know how much time I'll have, getting slower every year."

Ed: Do you take inspiration from "pop" Struthers still playing (well) at 56 and are you looking forward to leading Lanark in the superleague?

CS: "Think Rab Struthers has some magic pills to keep you going. Rab will be badly missed, his attitude is brilliant and he keeps everyone going." 

Ed: Do you have any plans to become a manager or coach?

CS: "No, I don't think I could do that."

Ed: Any ambitions left in football?

CS: "The older you get you want to win more because you realise you don't get many chances."

Ed: Your interests outside football?

CS: "Having two girls keeps me busy away from football."

Ed: Is this the best Lanark team you played for?

CS: "This Lanark team has the best players I have played with. With three or four new players, don't think there's much of a gap between superleague teams and ourselves."