Ian Craney

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Ian Craney
Personal information
Full name Ian Thomas William Craney
Date of birth (1982-07-21) 21 July 1982 (age 43)
Place of birth Liverpool, England
Position Midfielder
Youth career
1995–2001 Everton
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2001–2004 Altrincham 166 (37)
2004–2007 Accrington Stanley 94 (28)
2006–2007 → Swansea City (loan) 8 (0)
2007–2008 Swansea City 20 (0)
2007–2008 → Accrington Stanley (loan) 13 (3)
2008 Accrington Stanley 23 (6)
2008–2010 Huddersfield Town 34 (5)
2009–2010 → Morecambe (loan) 16 (2)
2010–2011 Fleetwood Town 19 (3)
2010–2011 → Accrington Stanley (loan) 3 (0)
2011–2012 Accrington Stanley 41 (8)
2012–2013 Rochdale 6 (0)
2013 AFC Telford United 11 (1)
2013–2014 Stockport County 7 (0)
2014 → Stafford Rangers (loan)
2014–15 Conwy Borough
Total461(93)
International career
England C
* Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ian Thomas William Craney (born 21 July 1982) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He was most recently a first-team coach at Ipswich Town.

Contents

He had five spells with Accrington Stanley during his career, the latest ending at the end of the 2011–12 season. He also played in the Football League with Swansea City, Huddersfield Town, Morecambe and Rochdale, as well as spells in non-League football with Altrincham and Fleetwood Town.

Playing career

Early career

After starting his career as a junior at Everton,[ citation needed ] he got his first break in senior football at Northern Premier League side Altrincham, where he made his first-team debut in September 2000. [1] During his time at Altrincham, he scored 40 goals in 214 matches, and won the club's Player of the Season award for both the 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons. [1]

Accrington Stanley

He joined Accrington Stanley in June 2004 on a two year-deal with an option for a further year. [2] The transfer fee was £15,000, plus a further £2,500 after twenty appearances and a 50% sell-on clause. [1] He was part of the Stanley team which won the Conference National title in 2005–06, gaining promotion to the Football League. [3]

Whilst at Accrington, he played for the England National Game XI. [4] [5]

Swansea City

On 23 November 2006, Craney joined Swansea City on loan until the end of December "with a view to a permanent move". [6] After 8 appearances on loan at Swansea, [7] he joined the club permanently on 9 January 2007 for a fee of £150,000, and signed a two-and-a-half year contract. [8] He played 31 times in total for the club. [9]

Return to Accrington Stanley

Craney returned to Accrington Stanley on a three-month loan on 25 September 2007, [10] though game time was limited by a hamstring injury and he was recalled by Swansea on 1 November, having made just 3 appearances. [11] However he returned on loan to Accrington two days later, [12] and re-signed for Accrington permanently on 4 January 2008, for a club record £85,000 fee, agreeing a three-and-a-half year deal. [13] He scored 8 times in 34 matches in total for Accrington across the 2007–08 season. [14]

He scored twice in 3 appearances at the start of the 2008–09 season, prior to leaving the club. [15]

Huddersfield Town

Fellow League Two side Morecambe saw two bids rejected for the midfielder in July 2008,[ citation needed ] and Craney instead joined Huddersfield Town on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee on 19 August 2008. [16] He took up the vacant number 5 shirt following the sale of David Mirfin to Scunthorpe United.[ citation needed ] He made his Town debut in their 3–1 defeat by Milton Keynes Dons at the Kirklees Stadium on 23 August 2008.[ citation needed ] His first goal for the Terriers was the winning goal in their 2–1 win over Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road on 6 September 2008.[ citation needed ]

On 22 July 2009, Craney joined Football League Two side Morecambe on a season-long loan along with teammate Phil Jevons. [17] He got his first goal for the Shrimps in their 5–2 defeat by Burton Albion on 15 August 2009.[ citation needed ] He suffered an ankle injury in November 2009, [18] and failed to play again for Morecambe. [19] He returned to Huddersfield in April 2010 and his contract with Huddersfield was terminated on 21 April. [20]

Fleetwood and third spell at Acctington Stanley

He joined Fleetwood Town of the Conference Premier for the 2010–11 season, [21] but on 25 November 2010 he rejoined former club Accrington Stanley for a third spell, on a short-term loan deal until the start of 2011. [22] He returned to Fleetwood Town on 7 January as the clubs failed to agree an extension to his loan deal.[ citation needed ] On 31 January he rejoined Stanley on a permanent basis for a third time, signing an 18-month contract. [23] [24] He broke his leg in training in October 2011, [25] but returned to training in December 2011. [26] He left Accrington at the end of the 2011–12 season after failing to agree a new contract, [27] and in July 2012 he began training with Grimsby Town.[ citation needed ]

Later career

In August 2012 he joined Rochdale on non-contract terms along with Ray Putterill, but the pair were released in January 2013. [28] [29] He then joined AFC Telford United in February 2013 for the rest of the season, becoming the first signing under new manager Mark Cooper. [30] On 2 May 2013 he was released by the club. [31]

On 31 May 2013 he joined Stockport County on a free transfer, [32] but fell out of favour and joined Stafford Rangers for the remainder of the season on 17 January 2014. [33]

At the expiry of his Stockport contract, Craney joined Conwy Borough of the Cymru Alliance league on 7 July 2014. [34]

Coaching career

While studying for his coaching badges Craney worked as kitman of Wigan Athletic, who were managed by former Accrington Stanley teammate Paul Cook. [35]

In May 2021, Craney joined Cook's coaching staff at Ipswich Town as a first-team coach. [36] Craney left the club in December following the sacking of Cook as manager. [37]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeague FA Cup League Cup OtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Altrincham 2000–01 [38] [39] Northern Premier League Premier Division38510—8 [a] 0475
2001–02 [40] [41] [42] Northern Premier League Premier Division44960—14 [b] 36412
2002–03 [43] [44] Northern Premier League Premier Division401120—7 [c] 04911
2003–04 [45] [46] Northern Premier League Premier Division441210—9 [d] 05412
Total16637100—38321440
Accrington Stanley 2004–05 [47] [48] Conference National 371010—13 [e] 45114
2005–06 [49] [50] [51] [52] [53] Conference National391320—6 [f] 34716
2006–07 [7] League Two 18510202 [g] 1236
Total9428402021812136
Swansea City 2006–07 [h] [7] League One 270000000270
2007–08 [14] League One1000201 [g] 040
Total280002010310
Accrington Stanley 2007–08 [i] [14] League Two348000000348
2008–09 [15] League Two2100110032
Total3690011003710
Huddersfield Town 2008–09 [15] League One345110000356
2009–10 [19] League One0000000000
Total345110000356
Morecambe (loan) 2009–10 [19] League Two162201000192
Fleetwood Town 2010–11 [54] Conference Premier 19320—00213
Accrington Stanley 2010–11 [j] [55] League Two22700002 [k] 0247
2011–12 [56] League Two22100102 [g] 0251
Total448001040498
Rochdale 2012–13 [57] League Two6010101 [g] 090
AFC Telford United 2012–13 [54] Conference Premier11100—00111
Stockport County 2013–14 [54] Conference North 7000—0070
Career total46193201816511554106
  1. ↑ Three appearances in FA Trophy, four appearances in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup, one appearance in Cheshire Senior Cup
  2. ↑ Five appearances one goal in FA Trophy, four appearances one goal in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup, one appearance in Northern Premier League President's Cup, four appearances one goal in Cheshire Senior Cup
  3. ↑ Four appearances in FA Trophy, one appearance in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup, one appearance in Northern Premier League President's Cup, one appearance in Cheshire Senior Cup
  4. ↑ Five appearances in FA Trophy, three appearances in Northern Premier League Challenge Cup, one appearance in Cheshire Senior Cup
  5. ↑ Two appearances one goal in Football League Trophy, two appearances in FA Trophy, four appearances in Conference League Cup, five appearances three goals in Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy
  6. ↑ One appearance in Football League Trophy, five appearances three goals in FA Trophy
  7. 1 2 3 4 Appearances in Football League Trophy
  8. ↑ Part of this season was spent on loan from Accrington Stanley
  9. ↑ Part of this season was spent on loan from Swansea City
  10. ↑ Part of this season was spent on loan from Fleetwood Town
  11. ↑ Appearances in League Two play-offs

Honours

Accrington Stanley

Individual

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Archived News". Altrincham FC. 20 June 2004. Archived from the original on 24 February 2005.
  2. ↑ "Stanley grab Craney in triple swoop". Lancashire Telegraph. 21 June 2004. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  3. 1 2 Geldard, Suzanne (24 April 2006). "Accrington Stanley 2 Tamworth 1". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  4. ↑ "Cavanagh and Craney make the cut". Lancashire Telegraph. 5 November 2004. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  5. ↑ "Stanley duo shine". Lancashire Telegraph. 16 February 2006. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  6. ↑ "Swansea sign Accrington's Craney". BBC Sport. 23 November 2006. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 "Games played by Ian Craney in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  8. ↑ "Craney completes Swansea switch". BBC Sport. 9 January 2007. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  9. ↑ "Where are they now? Ian Craney". Swansea City A.F.C. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  10. ↑ "Craney rejoins Accrington Stanley". BBC Sport. 25 September 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  11. ↑ Kayley, Jason (1 November 2007). "Craney returns to Swansea". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  12. ↑ "Craney continues Accrington loan". BBC Sport. 3 November 2007. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  13. ↑ "Craney completes Stanley return". BBC Sport. 4 January 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  14. 1 2 3 "Games played by Ian Craney in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  15. 1 2 3 "Games played by Ian Craney in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  16. ↑ "Craney makes Huddersfield switch". BBC Sport. 19 August 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  17. ↑ "Shrimps snare Terriers duo". Sky Sports. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  18. ↑ "Craney could miss rest of season". BBC Sport. 22 January 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  19. 1 2 3 "Games played by Ian Craney in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  20. ↑ "Terriers let Craney go". Sky Sports. 21 April 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  21. ↑ "Fleetwood sign midfielder Craney". BBC Sport. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  22. ↑ "Stanley returns for two old boys". BBC Sport. 25 November 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  23. ↑ Flanagan, Chris (31 January 2011). "Accrington Stanley re-sign Craney". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  24. ↑ "Stanley pull off triple signing". BBC Sport. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  25. ↑ "Accrington Stanley midfielder Ian Craney breaks his leg". BBC Sport. 21 October 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  26. ↑ "Stanley's Ian Craney gets all clear to start training". BBC Sport. 6 December 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  27. ↑ "Craney turns back on Stanley". Sky Sports. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  28. ↑ "Craney and Putterill agree terms". Rochdale AFC. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  29. ↑ "Dale cut ties with midfield duo". Sky Sports. 15 January 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  30. ↑ "AFC Telford get Ian Craney until the end of the season". Shropshire Star. 6 February 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  31. ↑ "AFC Telford start revamp by releasing five players". Shropshire Star. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  32. ↑ "Two More". 31 May 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  33. ↑ "Rangers Borrow Craney". 17 January 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  34. ↑ "Conwy Borough FC announce Craney capture". 7 July 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  35. ↑ "Craney's 'cracker at Morecambe Bay'". www.accringtonstanley.co.uk. 7 April 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  36. ↑ Pearce, Steve (14 May 2021). "Ian Craney Joins Backroom Staff". Ipswich Town FC. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  37. ↑ "John McGreal Named Interim Manager". Ipswich Town F.C. 6 December 2021.
  38. ↑ "Altrincham Statistics 2000–01". The Alty Pages. Archived from the original on 9 August 2014.
  39. ↑ "Altrincham Cup Appearances 2000–01". The Alty Pages. Archived from the original on 25 November 2006.
  40. ↑ "Altrincham Players' Appearances, Goals & Bookings 2001–02". Altrincham FC. Archived from the original on 25 November 2006.
  41. ↑ "Altrincham Cup Appearances 2001–02". Altrincham FC. Archived from the original on 25 November 2006.
  42. ↑ "Altrincham FC 2001 Friendlies & Cup Matches". Altrincham FC. Archived from the original on 25 November 2006.
  43. ↑ "Statistics 2002–03". Altrincham FC. Archived from the original on 25 November 2006.
  44. ↑ "Cup & Friendly Matches 2002–03". Altrincham FC. Archived from the original on 25 November 2006.
  45. ↑ "Statistics 2003–04". Altrincham FC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2007.
  46. ↑ "Cup Appearances 2003–04". Altrincham FC. Archived from the original on 21 February 2010.
  47. ↑ "Season 2004–05". Official Accrington Stanley Supporters' Trust. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  48. ↑ "Stanley put Lambs to the slaughter". Lancashire Telegraph. 9 February 2005. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  49. ↑ "Accrington Stanley 2005–06". The Club That Wouldn't Die. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023.
  50. ↑ "Stanley in a pickle, as saucy visitors force replay". Accrington Stanley FC. 22 October 2005. Archived from the original on 15 January 2006.
  51. ↑ "Worcester 3–2 Accrington Stanley: FA Cup Replay". Accrington Observer. 27 October 2005. Archived from the original on 14 February 2006.
  52. ↑ Geldard, Suzanne (19 January 2006). "Áccrington Stanley 2 Carshalton Athletic 0". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  53. ↑ Geldard, Suzanne (6 February 2006). "Accrington Stanley 1 Worksop Town 1". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  54. 1 2 3 I. Craney at Soccerway. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  55. ↑ "Games played by Ian Craney in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  56. ↑ "Games played by Ian Craney in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  57. ↑ "Games played by Ian Craney in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  58. ↑ "Stanley are the pride of Lancashire". Lancashire Telegraph. 27 April 2005. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  59. ↑ "Accrington Stanley Player Profiles". Accrington Stanley F.C. Archived from the original on 15 January 2006.
  60. 1 2 Geldard, Suzanne (6 June 2006). "Star Craney set to seal new deal". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  61. ↑ "Craney Sweeps Board". Altrincham FC. 19 April 2003. Archived from the original on 14 September 2003.
  62. ↑ "Awards". Altrincham FC. 24 April 2004. Archived from the original on 12 January 2005.
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