Player Articles

Campbell Crawford

Campbell Crawford

In the world of football, where stars often shine brightly but briefly, there are those who, despite not making headlines every week, leave an indelible mark on the clubs they serve. Campbell Crawford is one such figure, a player whose steadfast dedication and consistent performances have earned him a place in the annals of British football history, particularly with West Bromwich Albion, Exeter City, and Kidderminster Harriers.

Born in Alexandria, Crawford’s journey began in the Scottish football scene, where his talent quickly caught the eye of scouts. As a promising schoolboy international, he joined West Bromwich Albion as a junior, embarking on a path that would eventually see him make his mark in professional football. Crawford’s initial years were spent primarily with the club’s reserve team, honing his skills and preparing for the rigours of first-team football. And his perseverance paid off in December 1960 when he was awarded a full contract with Albion.

His was handed his First Division debut by manager Jimmy Hagan in a narrow 1-0 defeat against FA Cup holders Manchester United in front of a crowd of 50,000 on-lookers at Old Trafford on the 14th of September 1963; a game that was notable for George Best’s debut for the opposition. Although Crawford’s early appearances were limited to 10  Division One matches, his time at West Bromwich laid a solid foundation for his future career and the experience and resilience he developed during these years would become instrumental in his subsequent moves. At the end of the 1966-67 campaign, he made the significant decision to move on  to Exeter City and he demonstrated his commitment and skill from the outset, playing a crucial role in defence.

Crawford made his club debut for Exeter City in a 2-1 Fourth Division defeat against Bradford City at Valley Parade on the 19th of August 1967 and his initial campaign at the club was marked by a strong performances, appearing in 37 League games. Despite a period of reduced appearances during his second season, Crawford picked himself up and re-established himself firmly at the beginning of the 1969/70 campaign.

His consistency and hard work paid off in the 1970/71 season, where he became an ever-present fixture in the team and was deservedly named the club’s Player of the Year. During his tenure with Exeter City, his contributions were pivotal and he played in at least 30 League games each season, maintaining a level of performance that was both reliable and influential. A stalwart defender, his dedication on the pitch was matched by his loyalty to the club, becoming a mainstay of The Grecians team throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

At the end of the 1973-74 season, Campbell Crawford decided to leave Exeter City after playing in nearly 260 League games for them, and he returned to the Midlands when he signed with Non-League Kidderminster Harriers, a move that marked the end of a significant chapter of his career. At Kidderminster, Crawford not only continued to play, but he also took on a coaching role, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of football talent. After his footballing days were finally over, he settled in the Walsall area and transitioned into a sales role in the steel industry, illustrating his adaptability and versatility.