For a long time I thought he might be a quiet but intelligent footballer and quite funny (a few other players had said he said was quick witted with a very dry sense of humour). But every video he's ever done with the club, he's just extremely dull. Still quite like him in an inoffensive way and overall been one of the best Pozzo signings but have never seen any hint of a personality either on or off the pitch. Has never thundered into a tackle or riled an opposition forward. Pretty incredible that he's played that many games at centre back and never been sent off in his career, not even for a professional foul or a second booking.
While in theory we have plenty of CBs on the books (Porteous, Hoedt, Sierralta, Kabasele, Pollock and WTE for now at least), none of them fit the system particularly well, and only one is left-footed, so I'd like us to go in for at least 2 new CBs. I don't think we will sign another player there until we see some outgoings (Hoedt and Porteous are new, and nobody is going to touch Kabasele, but WTE may very well leave and Pollock might need another move away for the sake of his career)
I desperately hope not. That was one of the best things said at the forum if true. Need him gone ASAP.
Welp, that seems very counter to the image I've conjured of him in my mind, but at least it makes me feel even less bad (if that's possible) about his theoretical/hopeful release.
Quite a few of the NI players have said in the past that he is one of the funniest in the dressing room too. I think he just comes across poorly (i.e dull) in the media. I expect he will move on to a upper L1/lower championship team (e.g Rotherham) if he has been released.
You'd have to assume this is the first of several of this type of announcement, because it would be actual madness to let Cathcart go but keep Clevs and Gosling. I do wonder whether Cleverly might stay in some kind of coaching role though.
At a club infamous for so much change, we got good old-fashioned stability from him. A free transfer who played 235 times for us in the league. Two promotions and an FA Cup final. As others have already said, one of the better Pozzo signings. Steady, solid and reliable more usually than not. Good luck with your next move Craig and thanks for nine years of loyal service.
Model professional and still of Championship quality as well. Think it's the right decision as if nothing else we do need to refresh the squad's age, but will be missed at points this season I think and always welcome at The Vic.
I think he might go into League One or Two, but I expect he will take some time out from the game. Not always our "luck of the irish" at the back, and was prone to the odd goof, but overall it's hard to say anything bad about him. Nine years is a long time to spend at one club nowadays and he always tried his best. A bit like the Sema of defenders in that regard. Tried his hand at being Captain towards the end but I think he was too timid to voice to the players around him. Model professional who never got sent off for us (I think?) either. Age was certainly taking it's toll on him but unlike some of our squad, he always looked lean and healthy. All the best Craig, you've done us proud and I wish you success.
Clearly the right time to leave, but he was a very very good defender in his time, and even up until the second of this season he did a job for us, I wish him well, he's welcome back any time
What a side that was. We got Joka in at the perfect time, despite starting poorly under him, the 5-0 thumping win at Fulham really kick started our season again. Never really looked troubled after that. I know people harp on about this, but I do think we should of won the Championship that season. As good as Muff were throughout, we played the better football (imho).
With all the deadwood we have got why are we releasing CC ahead of them? You have always been reliable Craig , and another team could do a lot worse than signing you, good luck for the future and thanks for the memories
Sad to see him go but time catches up with everyone eventually, was a great player for us in his prime and up until we got relegated the first time. Hope he finds a new club soon. Wouldnt be shocked to see him playing against us next season.
Yeah I'd say so - especially with Evans being pretty much finished now too! Just Ballard left in terms of competent CBs
He's on the slide now. But he's been an excellent model pro for club and country. Intelligent player too. I think the point about his personality and not getting cards is moot. I'd rather have a player like him than say a Dennis. And all I want is to see is results on the pitch not an effusive personality After all he is only well known to those close to him and us likely a witty man. People said Messi is boring. But those that know him say he has a dry sense of humour. Anyway given his health issues I wish him all the best.
Oh dear - I dare say due to a lack of match fitness? From the BBC "Craig Cathcart is the latest Northern Ireland player to get injured and he's forced off"
