Farewell to Craig Bryson
Clyde will tomorrow say goodbye to Craig Bryson, who announced this morning that he will be moving onto pastures new in the summer. After three years unstinting service to the first team after coming through the Youth set up, Craig has decided that the time is right to try and further his career at a higher level.
The Rutherglen lad made an explosive start in a white (or was it yellow?!) shirt, scoring on his debut in the 2004/05 season opener at Stark’s Park after just 4 minutes.
He went on from strength to strength during that campaign but was cruelly robbed of a perfectly good goal against Celtic in the Scottish Cup that would have given Clyde the lead live on BBC television.
However, as we all know, a year later justice was done and revenge was taken as Craig nodded home the opening goal to set up a historic win over the Parkhead club, just a few short months after he scored a memorable equaliser in the CIS Cup against the other half of the Old Firm.
His continued good form this season led to interest from big clubs in Scotland and England, especially after the January transfer window when enforced changes to the Clyde midfield seemed to bring out the best in him. Arguably one of his most impressive displays for the club came in the four goal victory at Partick Thistle, during which he lashed home a superb strike from 20 yards.
There was also International recognition for the youngster during the three years when he received call-ups to Scotland Under-19 and Under-21 squads.
Craig was keen to speak exclusively to www.clydefc.co.uk tonight:
“There have been many high points in my Clyde career, starting with my debut. The win over Celtic was obviously one and scoring at Ibrox was another. The match against Manchester United was also a great occasion although I couldn’t get near Paul Scholes! Off the park, it was an honour to receive two Young Player of the Year awards.
“Without a doubt the low point was losing the Challenge Cup Final this season.
“I haven’t scored a lot of goals but if my last one at Firhill turns out to be my last for Clyde then it’ll be a good one to remember. That was a great day for everyone associated with the club.
“I’d like to thank Billy Reid, Graham Roberts, Joe Miller and Dougie Bell who have all helped me to progress. In fact, I’d like to thank everyone at Clyde as they’ve all been brilliant to me, including Davie and Mags Gray, Jim Junnor and Gordon Nisbet.
“The Bully Wee supporters have always been excellent with me, right back to when I broke through into the first team. I hope that won’t change tomorrow now that they know I am moving on.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club and I’ve been here for a good few years so it’s going to be hard to leave. It’ll be a very strange feeling turning up at Broadwood tomorrow for my last Clyde match and it’ll be an emotional day.”
Clyde Football Club would like to thank Craig for his contribution to three successful seasons and wish him every success in his future career.