Craig Easton Interview

Last updated : 14 October 2004 By www.westlothiannews.co.uk

Born in Airdrie, Craig remembers kicking a ball about the streets near his home right from the time he was able to walk.

Football, in fact runs in the family. His younger brother, Stewart, currently plays for Stenhousemuir, having previously turned out for Airdrie and Albion Rovers. “I’ve never actually played against him,” said Craig, “as each time Dundee United were due to face Stewart’s team in cup games, I was out suspended or injured.”


Craig’s not the first member of his family to turn out for Livingston. His dad actually played for Livingston United during his career as a junior footballer.

A talented midfielder, Craig came through the ranks of his local BB side and boys’ club North Airdrie, which was later amalgamated with Clyde Boys Club. He was then picked for the Lanarkshire select and played for the Scottish schoolboys at under 15 and under 16 levels. In fact, Craig has represented Scotland at every level apart from senior and has 22 caps for the under 21 side.


After training with Dundee United, he signed full time for the club on leaving school. “It was an exciting time,” he said, “I enjoyed living in digs up there and it was quite easy to settle in.”


Former Livingston coach Billy Kirkwood was Craig’s first manager.

But after eight happy years, mainly with the first team, Craig drifted in and out the Dundee United side last season. “That’s why I was so happy to come here,” he added. “I enjoyed my time at Dundee United, but this is fresh and it’s a change. I want to take my career on a wee bit and hopefully improve here at Livingston.”


With ambitions to represent Scotland at full level, Craig says he’s taken heart from the fact that a couple of Livingston players have already been chosen for the national side. “Obviously I want to concentrate on doing as well as I can for Livingston, so I’ll just wait and see what happens.”

Although there are a lot of new faces in the Livingston dressing room, Craig says he knows most of the boys, having played with or against them. “It’s good and it’s been really easy to come into the dressing room. Spending time together in Portugal helped us get to know each other on and off the park and everyone gets on really well.”


Craig’s already found out who the characters are in the Lions dressing room: “Big Jim Hamilton’s always got a lot to say. He’s quite funny, or he thinks he’s funny, but he’s a good lad.”


In his short spell at the club, Craig said he’s also been really impressed with the facilities at Livingston: “The stadium’s great and I don’t think there’s a better playing surface in Scotland.”


And on the subject of the pitch - if you see Craig spending a bit of time with the Livi ground staff, there’s a reason for it – he’s become hooked on gardening. Whilst away from the ground, many footballers can be found in pool halls or watching video games, Craig spends his spare time lovingly looking after his plants.


“It sounds really boring, but I am quite into my gardening. My favourite gardening programme is City Garden.”


When he’s not picking out weeds, Craig picks out a tune on his guitar. “I don’t play to any great standard, but I enjoy it.”


Craig also thinks that the Lions should be looking for some more of last year’s cup success. If you get a good run in the league, you can take confidence from that. I’ve played in a final before and I’ve played in a few semi finals, but it would be great to actually win a medal.”

Craig has been impressed with the Livi supporters. And he’s even brought along a few new ones of his own. His mum and dad split their time between his and Stewart’s game. But girlfriend Laura is a staunch supporter and watches his every game.


And the good news for Livi fans is that Craig feels his best is yet to come. “I’m only 25 and I think I can still improve,” he added.



10-second Interview


When and where were you born?


February 26, 1979


Romantic status (ie married, single, available, unavailable)


Getting married to my girlfriend, Laura, next year


What’s your favourite record?


‘Live Forever’ by Oasis


Who would you want to play you in a film?


Al Pacino


What do you like most about West Lothian?


It’s easy to get to from Dundee and there’s a good shopping centre close to the stadium


What do you like least about West Lothian?


There are lots of roundabouts


If you could be someone else, who would it be?


I wouldn’t change myself


What do you like most about yourself?


I am easy-going


What do you like least about yourself?

My toenails are horrible


What would people be surprised to know about you?

My dad used to play for Livingston – the juniors that is – and I’m a keen gardener




This interview first appeared in the Livingston FC Matchday magazine, priced £2.50 at every home match. 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WESTLOTHIANNEWS WEBISTE



















Picture shown copyright Livingston FC www.livingstonfc.co.uk
& used will full permission of Livingston FC