Craig Dawson

Craig Dawson is a defender of West Bromwich Albion. He was born on 6 May 1990 in Rochdale, England.

Dawson’s professional career began in Radcliffe Borough, where the young footballer performed during two seasons and made a positive defensive display. In 2009 he drew the attention of different English clubs, including Rochdale, which is in the player’s native town.

In 2009 Craig signed a contract with Rochdale, but did not spend much time there. He was let on the pitch in the starting XI since the beginning of 2009/2010 and continued to be a regular through the whole season. Dawson both showed confident and solid performance and managed to score ten goals in 46 games, supporting his team’s attacks.

English side West Bromwich failed to go past the talented footballer and lodged a bid for him, which was so tempting that small Rochdale could not refuse. The deal was penned in short term, but the new club was not going to give him a place in the starting squad as there were no opportunities for the head coach to let him on the pitch. That is why the management decided to leave the footballer on loan in Rochdale. The decision was brilliant, because Dawson continued his steady performance for the club (this time on temporary basis though), made 45 appearances and netted ten goals in 2010/2011.

In the summer 2011, the footballer’s loan spell came to an end, which meant he would rejoin West Bromwich. The head coach had a few conversations with Craig and they discussed the player’s gradual integration with the starting team during the season. Everything broke right and Dawson took part in ten games that year, which was really good for him as he gained priceless experience of playing in the Barclays Premier League.

Later on he was loaned to Bolton Wanderers.

From 2011 Craig was capped seven times and contributed four goals for the England national U-21 team.