Craig Brewster
Encyclopedia
Craig James Brewster is a Scottish
football player and coach. He made his name in a long and successful career playing as a striker
for numerous clubs in Scotland, particularly Forfar Athletic
, Raith Rovers
, Dundee United
and Dunfermline Athletic
. He also had a successful spell with Ionikos in Greece.
Brewster started his managerial career with Inverness CT
in the Scottish Premier League
, before a short unsuccessful spell as manager of Dundee United forced a resumption of his playing career in 2007 with Aberdeen
. He was reappointed manager of Inverness CT for a second time in August 2007, but Brewster was sacked by Inverness in January 2009. Brewster then worked as assistant manager to Derek Adams
at Ross County
, but left the club in December 2010. He was appointed coach at Crawley Town
in May 2011.
, Dundee
and grew up a Dundee United supporter. He signed for the club as a schoolboy, but was not offered professional terms by then manager Jim McLean
. Unable to find a senior club, Brewster dropped into junior football
with Dundee Stobswell for a while, before signing for Forfar Athletic
in 1985. At this time, his regular playing position was in midfield
. His form at Forfar prompted the attention of Raith Rovers
, who signed him in 1991. At this time he converted to striker, and formed a prolific partnership with Gordon Dalziel
that helped Raith to the First Division
title in 1993
.
club for a fee of £250,000. After a slow start in which he struggled to adapt to Premier Division
football, Brewster's first season at Tannadice culminated in his greatest moment as a player, scoring the winner for United in the 1994 Scottish Cup
Final against Rangers
. However, the club was relegated a year later. Brewster helped them towards promotion back to the top flight in 1995–96
, scoring four goals in one match against Dumbarton
, but when his contract expired at the end of the season he decided to further his career elsewhere. With the Bosman ruling
having just come into force, Brewster was entitled to move abroad on a free transfer, and he decided to take advantage of an offer from Greek club Ionikos FC.
to AEK Athens
. In July 2001, Brewster went on trial at Hibernian
, securing a return to Scotland in time for the 2001-02 season
. In his first season back in Scotland, Brewster formed a productive partnership with a young Garry O'Connor
but due to budget cuts by Hibs, Brewster joined Dunfermline Athletic
in 2002. He enjoyed some of the most consistent form of his career playing alongside Stevie Crawford, who had a been a youngster at Raith during Brewster's time there. Despite some clamour from fans and the media for Brewster to be called up to the Scotland squad
, this never materialised.
and Dundee United, Brewster joined Aberdeen in December 2006, signing a contract until the end of the 2006–07 season
. He linked up again with Jimmy Calderwood
, who had been his manager at Dunfermline
. Brewster made his debut for Aberdeen as a substitute in a goalless draw with Hibernian
on 2 January 2007, and he scored his first goal for Aberdeen with a header in a Scottish Cup
tie against the same opponents eight days later. Brewster then suffered a dislocated shoulder in a draw against Inverness
. Doubts were cast over his playing future, but Brewster returned in early March and he signed a six-month extension to his Aberdeen contract in May 2007.
His contract with Aberdeen was cut short, however, when he returned to management with Inverness in August 2007. He only played in two league games for Inverness in his second spell with that club, scoring the winning goal in a SPL
match against Hearts
. After being sacked as Inverness manager in early 2009, Brewster signed a contract with Highland derby
rivals until the end of the 2008–09 season.
. He helped to establish the club in the Scottish Premier League
after John Robertson
had left to take the position at Hearts
.
). Brewster had to wait four league games into the 2006–07 season for his second league win, and oversaw only two league wins in his nine months at Tannadice.
On 29 October 2006, after a 5–1 defeat to Falkirk
, Brewster and assistant Malky Thomson left by "mutual agreement". After leaving Dundee United he was linked with several managerial vacancies, including those at former clubs Dunfermline, Raith and Ionikos, but he returned to playing with Aberdeen
instead.
in August 2007, after previous manager Charlie Christie
had resigned. Inheriting a team that was bottom of the league with no points, the team went on a good run of form culminating in December 2007 with a remarkable 3–2 win over Celtic, despite having been 0–2 down and having a player sent off. Pressure began to mount on Brewster in early 2008, however, when the team went on a run of seven consecutive defeats. Brewster stuck to a tough but unpopular stance regarding player discipline and contracts. Results eventually improved with the team finishing 9th in the league
. This improvement was not maintained during the 2008–09 season, however. Brewster was sacked on 19 January 2009 following a run of seven consecutive league defeats, that left the team bottom of the league.
, working with manager Derek Adams
. Ross County reached the 2010 Scottish Cup Final
under their management. Brewster left the club in December 2010, soon after Willie McStay
had replaced Adams as manager.
by manager Steve Evans in June 2011.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
football player and coach. He made his name in a long and successful career playing as a striker
Striker
Forwards, also known as strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals...
for numerous clubs in Scotland, particularly Forfar Athletic
Forfar Athletic F.C.
Forfar Athletic Football Club are a Scottish semi-professional football club from the town of Forfar, Angus. They are members of the Scottish Football League and currently play in the Second Division...
, Raith Rovers
Raith Rovers F.C.
Raith Rovers Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. They are members of the Scottish Football League, currently playing in the First Division, having secured promotion from the Second Division as champions in 2009. Rovers have won one national trophy, the...
, Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
and Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
. He also had a successful spell with Ionikos in Greece.
Brewster started his managerial career with Inverness CT
Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas...
in the Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
, before a short unsuccessful spell as manager of Dundee United forced a resumption of his playing career in 2007 with Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
. He was reappointed manager of Inverness CT for a second time in August 2007, but Brewster was sacked by Inverness in January 2009. Brewster then worked as assistant manager to Derek Adams
Derek Adams
Derek Adams is a former Scottish footballer who is currently manager at Ross County. He is the son of George Adams, who is the director of football at Ross County. Adams played for six different clubs, making over 100 league appearances for Ross County and Motherwell. Adams managed Ross County...
at Ross County
Ross County F.C.
Ross County Football Club are a Scottish professional football team from the town of Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty. Founded in 1929 they currently compete in the Scottish Football League First Division and play their home matches at Victoria Park. Prior to the 1994–95 season they played in the...
, but left the club in December 2010. He was appointed coach at Crawley Town
Crawley Town F.C.
Crawley Town Football Club is an English football club based in Crawley, West Sussex. They won the title of the Football Conference, by a record 15 point margin on second place, and with it promotion to The Football League, in April 2011.-1896–2009:...
in May 2011.
Early career
Brewster was born in StobswellStobswell
Stobswell is an area of Dundee, Scotland with a population of approximately 10,000. It was originally a small hamlet outside the city until the industrial revolution caused the growth of Dundee. The area is by and large a residential area. Schools in the area are Morgan Academy Secondary School,...
, Dundee
Dundee
Dundee is the fourth-largest city in Scotland and the 39th most populous settlement in the United Kingdom. It lies within the eastern central Lowlands on the north bank of the Firth of Tay, which feeds into the North Sea...
and grew up a Dundee United supporter. He signed for the club as a schoolboy, but was not offered professional terms by then manager Jim McLean
Jim McLean
James Yuill McLean is a Scottish former football player and manager. He is best known for his 22-year spell as manager of Dundee United; the longest-serving and most successful manager in the club's history, he led them to three major honours and established them as a force in European competitions...
. Unable to find a senior club, Brewster dropped into junior football
Scottish Junior Football Association
The Scottish Junior Football Association is an affiliated national association of the Scottish Football Association and is the governing body for the Junior grade of football in Scotland. The term "Junior" refers to the level of football played...
with Dundee Stobswell for a while, before signing for Forfar Athletic
Forfar Athletic F.C.
Forfar Athletic Football Club are a Scottish semi-professional football club from the town of Forfar, Angus. They are members of the Scottish Football League and currently play in the Second Division...
in 1985. At this time, his regular playing position was in midfield
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
. His form at Forfar prompted the attention of Raith Rovers
Raith Rovers F.C.
Raith Rovers Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Kirkcaldy, Fife. They are members of the Scottish Football League, currently playing in the First Division, having secured promotion from the Second Division as champions in 2009. Rovers have won one national trophy, the...
, who signed him in 1991. At this time he converted to striker, and formed a prolific partnership with Gordon Dalziel
Gordon Dalziel
Gordon Dalziel is a Scottish former footballer, ex-manager of Ayr United, Raith Rovers and Glenafton Athletic.-Career:...
that helped Raith to the First Division
Scottish Football League First Division
The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
title in 1993
1992-93 in Scottish football
The 1992–93 season was the 96th season of competitive football in Scotland.- Notable events:* Rangers completing a domestic treble of the Premier Division title, FA Cup and League Cup....
.
Dundee United
In 1993, Brewster returned to Dundee United, signing for the TannadiceTannadice Park
Tannadice Park, usually referred to as Tannadice, is a football stadium located on Tannadice Street in the Scottish city of Dundee. The stadium is home of Dundee United F.C. and has a capacity of 14,209.-Early days :...
club for a fee of £250,000. After a slow start in which he struggled to adapt to Premier Division
Scottish Football League Premier Division
The Scottish Football League Premier Division was, from 1975 until 1998, the top division of the Scottish Football League and the entire Scottish football league system...
football, Brewster's first season at Tannadice culminated in his greatest moment as a player, scoring the winner for United in the 1994 Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup 1993-94
The 1993–94 Scottish Cup was the 109th staging of Scotland's most prestigious football knockout competition. The Cup was won by Dundee United who defeated Rangers in the final.-First round:-Replays:-Second round:-Third round:-Replays:...
Final against Rangers
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
. However, the club was relegated a year later. Brewster helped them towards promotion back to the top flight in 1995–96
1995-96 in Scottish football
The 1995–96 season was the 99th season of competitive football in Scotland.-Summary:Rangers won the Premier Division with a record 87 points, finishing four ahead of rivals Celtic. Aberdeen were third with 55 points ....
, scoring four goals in one match against Dumbarton
Dumbarton F.C.
Dumbarton Football Club is Scotland's 4th oldest football club – founded in 1872, just after Queen's Park , Kilmarnock and Stranraer...
, but when his contract expired at the end of the season he decided to further his career elsewhere. With the Bosman ruling
Bosman ruling
Union Royale Belge des Sociétés de Football Association ASBL v Jean-Marc Bosman is a 1995 European Court of Justice decision concerning freedom of movement for workers, freedom of association, and direct effect of article 39 of the EC Treaty...
having just come into force, Brewster was entitled to move abroad on a free transfer, and he decided to take advantage of an offer from Greek club Ionikos FC.
Greece, Hibs and Dunfermline
While other Scottish players who moved to Europe at this time mainly returned home soon afterwards, Brewster remained at Ionikos FC for five seasons. His time in Greece included another national cup final appearance, but Ionikos FC lost the 2000 Greek CupGreek football Cup
The Greek Football Cup , commonly known as the Greek Cup or for sponsorship reasons the Football Cup OPAP, is a Greek football competition, run by the Hellenic Football Federation....
to AEK Athens
AEK Athens FC
AEK Athens F.C. , the Athletic Union of Constantinople, is a Greek association football club based in the city of Athens, Greece. Outside Greece, the club is also known as AEK Athens, however, the word Athens is not part of the club's official title.Established in Athens in 1924 by Greek refugees...
. In July 2001, Brewster went on trial at Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
, securing a return to Scotland in time for the 2001-02 season
2001-02 in Scottish football
The 2001–02 season was the 105th season of competitive football in Scotland.-Key events:Celtic, domestic treble winners a year earlier, retain their Premier League title....
. In his first season back in Scotland, Brewster formed a productive partnership with a young Garry O'Connor
Garry O'Connor
Garry Lawrence John O'Connor is a Scottish professional footballer who currently plays for Hibernian. He has also played for the Scotland international team....
but due to budget cuts by Hibs, Brewster joined Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
in 2002. He enjoyed some of the most consistent form of his career playing alongside Stevie Crawford, who had a been a youngster at Raith during Brewster's time there. Despite some clamour from fans and the media for Brewster to be called up to the Scotland squad
Scotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
, this never materialised.
Playing and managing
After spells as player-manager at InvernessInverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas...
and Dundee United, Brewster joined Aberdeen in December 2006, signing a contract until the end of the 2006–07 season
2006-07 in Scottish football
The 2006–07 season was the 110th season of competitive football in Scotland.-2006:*9 July: Rangers defender Fernando Ricksen is banned for the club's pre-season trip to South Africa, following an incident on the outbound flight. Manager Paul Le Guen cited "wholly inappropriate and...
. He linked up again with Jimmy Calderwood
Jimmy Calderwood
James "Jimmy" Calderwood is a Scottish former footballer and currently without a club having recently been manager of Ross County. Calderwood played for English clubs Birmingham City and Cambridge United and Dutch clubs Sparta Rotterdam, Willem II Tilburg, Roda JC and Heracles Almelo...
, who had been his manager at Dunfermline
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
. Brewster made his debut for Aberdeen as a substitute in a goalless draw with Hibernian
Hibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
on 2 January 2007, and he scored his first goal for Aberdeen with a header in a Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
tie against the same opponents eight days later. Brewster then suffered a dislocated shoulder in a draw against Inverness
Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas...
. Doubts were cast over his playing future, but Brewster returned in early March and he signed a six-month extension to his Aberdeen contract in May 2007.
His contract with Aberdeen was cut short, however, when he returned to management with Inverness in August 2007. He only played in two league games for Inverness in his second spell with that club, scoring the winning goal in a SPL
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
match against Hearts
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian...
. After being sacked as Inverness manager in early 2009, Brewster signed a contract with Highland derby
Highland derby
The Highland derby is a football rivalry that is based in the Scottish Highlands. It is contested between the only two senior clubs in the Highland council area, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County. The city of Inverness and town of Dingwall are only 14 miles apart, whereas the nearest...
rivals until the end of the 2008–09 season.
Inverness CT (first spell)
In November 2004, Brewster accepted the job of player–manager with Inverness Caledonian ThistleInverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas...
. He helped to establish the club in the Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
after John Robertson
John Grant Robertson
John Robertson is a former professional association football player and is currently the manager of East Fife. His playing career included spells at Newcastle United, Dundee and Livingston but he is best known for his two spells at Heart of Midlothian...
had left to take the position at Hearts
Heart of Midlothian F.C.
Heart of Midlothian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Gorgie, in the west of Edinburgh. They currently play in the Scottish Premier League and are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian...
.
Dundee United
Brewster was appointed player–manager of Dundee United in January 2006. His return to United yielded little success, however, as despite going unbeaten in his first three games, the remainder of the 2005–06 season brought just one win (against LivingstonLivingston F.C.
Livingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League First Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
). Brewster had to wait four league games into the 2006–07 season for his second league win, and oversaw only two league wins in his nine months at Tannadice.
On 29 October 2006, after a 5–1 defeat to Falkirk
Falkirk F.C.
Falkirk Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Falkirk. It is one of two professional football teams from the town, the other being East Stirlingshire...
, Brewster and assistant Malky Thomson left by "mutual agreement". After leaving Dundee United he was linked with several managerial vacancies, including those at former clubs Dunfermline, Raith and Ionikos, but he returned to playing with Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
instead.
Inverness CT (second spell)
Brewster returned to management with InvernessInverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club from Inverness who compete in the Scottish Premier League. They are currently managed by Terry Butcher and assistant manager Maurice Malpas...
in August 2007, after previous manager Charlie Christie
Charlie Christie
Charlie Christie is a former professional footballer who managed Scottish Premier League club Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Christie resigned from the Highlands club in August 2007.-Early career:...
had resigned. Inheriting a team that was bottom of the league with no points, the team went on a good run of form culminating in December 2007 with a remarkable 3–2 win over Celtic, despite having been 0–2 down and having a player sent off. Pressure began to mount on Brewster in early 2008, however, when the team went on a run of seven consecutive defeats. Brewster stuck to a tough but unpopular stance regarding player discipline and contracts. Results eventually improved with the team finishing 9th in the league
Scottish Premier League 2007-08
The 2007–08 Scottish Premier League season was the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. It began on 4 August 2007 and was originally due to end on 18 May 2008...
. This improvement was not maintained during the 2008–09 season, however. Brewster was sacked on 19 January 2009 following a run of seven consecutive league defeats, that left the team bottom of the league.
Ross County
Brewster was appointed assistant manager of Ross CountyRoss County F.C.
Ross County Football Club are a Scottish professional football team from the town of Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty. Founded in 1929 they currently compete in the Scottish Football League First Division and play their home matches at Victoria Park. Prior to the 1994–95 season they played in the...
, working with manager Derek Adams
Derek Adams
Derek Adams is a former Scottish footballer who is currently manager at Ross County. He is the son of George Adams, who is the director of football at Ross County. Adams played for six different clubs, making over 100 league appearances for Ross County and Motherwell. Adams managed Ross County...
. Ross County reached the 2010 Scottish Cup Final
2010 Scottish Cup Final
The 2010 Scottish Cup Final was the 125th final of the Scotland's most prestigious football knockout competition, the Scottish Cup. The match took place on 15 May 2010, at Hampden Park, Glasgow and was contested by first time finalists Ross County and 1994 winners Dundee United...
under their management. Brewster left the club in December 2010, soon after Willie McStay
Willie McStay (footballer born 1961)
William John "Willie" McStay is a Scottish professional football player and manager.-Playing career:McStay played for Celtic from 1979 to 1987. McStay made his debut on 2 April 1983 when he came on as a sub in Celtic's 3-1 home win over Motherwell and went on to make 65 league appearances,...
had replaced Adams as manager.
Crawley Town
After six months out of work, Brewster was appointed first team coach of Crawley TownCrawley Town F.C.
Crawley Town Football Club is an English football club based in Crawley, West Sussex. They won the title of the Football Conference, by a record 15 point margin on second place, and with it promotion to The Football League, in April 2011.-1896–2009:...
by manager Steve Evans in June 2011.
Managerial record
| Team | Pld | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inverness CT | 50 | 17 | 18 | 15 |
| Dundee Utd | 28 | 3 | 11 | 16 |
| Inverness CT | 64 | 22 | 7 | 35 |