Craig Fagan

Fagan began his football career as an under-nine with Birmingham City. When the club dismantled its youth system he spent a few months with West Bromwich Albion, but returned to Birmingham City when they opened their academy, in part because the club was nearer to his home in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, where he attended Catshill Middle School and South Bromsgrove High School.{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2007/05/24/i-could-have-been-playing-for-albion-fagan-97319-19185195/ |title=I could have been playing for Albion – Fagan |first=Colin |last=Tattum |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=24 May 2007 |accessdate=11 August 2008 |archive-date=10 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210183651/http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2007/05/24/i-could-have-been-playing-for-albion-fagan-97319-19185195/ |url-status=dead }} Fagan made his Birmingham debut as a substitute in a League Cup tie against Leyton Orient on 2 October 2002.{{cite news |url=http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birmingham/matchreports/page.cfm?objectid=12250904&method=full&siteid=50002 |title=Stern does his stuff |first=Colin |last=Tattum |newspaper=Birmingham Evening Mail |date=2 October 2002 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030107040911/http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birmingham/matchreports/page.cfm?objectid=12250904&method=full&siteid=50002 |archivedate=7 January 2003}} His Premier League debut followed two months later, again as a substitute, against Southampton.{{cite news |url=http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birmingham/matchreports/page.cfm?objectid=12439811&method=full&siteid=50002 |title=Bruce rues Winter blunderland |first=Colin |last=Tattum |newspaper=Birmingham Evening Mail |date=9 December 2002 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030107040410/http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birmingham/matchreports/page.cfm?objectid=12439811&method=full&siteid=50002 |archivedate=7 January 2003}} He scored his first career goal while on loan at Bristol City in a 2–1 defeat against Colchester United, his future club. He failed to make the breakthrough to Birmingham's first team, and joined Colchester United on a free transfer in March 2004 after a successful loan spell at the club.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11694/2294585/blues-striker-leaves |title=Blues striker leaves |first=Adam |last=Marshall |website=Sky Sports |date=26 March 2004 |accessdate=14 April 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/5440302.soccer-fagan-keeps-faith-with-us/ |title=Soccer: Fagan keeps faith with U's |newspaper=Evening Gazette |location=Colchester |date=30 March 2004 |accessdate=14 April 2020}}

Fagan joined Hull City on 28 February 2005 for an undisclosed six-figure transfer fee (believed to be around £125,000). Five days later he scored on his debut in a 3–1 victory over Tranmere Rovers. He was reunited with his former Colchester boss, Phil Parkinson, when Parkinson was appointed Hull City manager in the summer of 2006 – Parkinson's tenure however did not last long. Under Parkinson, Fagan was played on the right wing, whereas under Peter Taylor he had played as a striker. Following Parkinson's departure, Hull changed from a 4-4-2 formation to 4-3-3, and Fagan flourished in his role on the right hand side of the front three.

His good form led to interest from other clubs and speculation around his future arose when he was left out of the squad for the FA Cup Third Round tie against Middlesbrough on 6 January 2007. Finally, on 9 January, top of the table Derby County confirmed the signing of Fagan for a fee of £750,000, rising to £1,000,000 dependent on their promotion to the Premiership.

Despite leaving halfway through the season, Fagan led the assists chart for Hull in 2006–07,{{cite web |title=Club Statistics: Assists: 2006/07 |publisher=Hull City A.F.C. |url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/Assists/0,,10338~200610338,00.html |accessdate=6 June 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809002431/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/Assists/0%2C%2C10338~200610338%2C00.html |archivedate=9 August 2011 |url-status=dead}} as he had the previous campaign.{{cite web |title=Club Statistics: Assists: 2005/06 |publisher=Hull City A.F.C. |url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/Assists/0,,10338~200510338,00.html |accessdate=6 June 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809002443/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/Assists/0%2C%2C10338~200510338%2C00.html |archivedate=9 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}

Upon joining Derby, Fagan quickly worked his way into the first team and made his debut in a 1–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on 13 January 2007; he had made his final appearance for Hull against the same opponents 12 days previously, a game which Fagan was also on the winning side. Fagan was mostly employed as a wide player whilst at Derby, rather than his preferred role as striker, with boss Billy Davies preferring to employ Steve Howard in the lone striker role. He made 17 league and one cup appearances, scoring only once, in the 1–1 draw away to Leicester City,{{cite web |title=Leicester City vs Derby County |publisher=Derby County F.C. |url=http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10270~34021,00.html |date=6 April 2007 |accessdate=4 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809101807/http://www.dcfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10270~34021%2C00.html |archivedate=9 August 2011}} as Derby's form faltered and they fell into the playoff positions, finishing in third. Fagan then went on to play in all three matches in Derby's successful playoff campaign, including the 1–0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the 2007 Championship play-off final.

Whilst Derby's return to the Premiership proved to be a difficult one, as they found themselves bottom of the table for the majority of the season, Fagan himself was consistently involved in the first team and, alongside Stephen Pearson, was top of the club's appearance chart on 1 March 2008 with 25 league and cup appearances, scoring once in the League Cup against Blackpool,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/6963495.stm |title=Derby 2–2 Blackpool |website=BBC Sport |date=28 August 2007 |accessdate=17 January 2010}} although he was mainly used on the wing rather than striker. It may have been more had he not been banned twice, once for four matches for a stamp on Liverpool's Álvaro Arbeloa in a 6–0 defeat at Anfield and then for one match after reaching five yellow cards. As part of new manager Paul Jewell's clearout upon his arrival at the club following the departure of Billy Davies, Fagan moved on loan to Hull City on 7 March 2008, with a view to a permanent deal.{{cite news |title=Derby striker Fagan rejoins Hull |website=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7283385.stm |accessdate=8 March 2008 |date=8 March 2008}}

File:Craig Fagan Hull City v. Aberdeen 1.png in 2009]]

Fagan made his second debut for Hull in a 2–0 win over Scunthorpe United on 8 March 2008 and was part of the side which eventually secured the club's first ever season in the top flight of English football, following a 1–0 win over Bristol City at Wembley in the 2008 Championship play-off final, in which Fagan appeared as a 67th-minute substitute. It was Fagan's second consecutive appearance in the Championship Playoff final following playing for Derby there the previous year. Derby manager Paul Jewell announced on 17 June 2008 that the deal to take Fagan back to Hull on a permanent transfer had been agreed, with the fee believed to be £750,000.{{cite news |title=Brown happy with transfer budget |website=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7459467.stm |accessdate=17 June 2008 |date=17 June 2008}} This was completed on 2 July.{{cite news |title=Fagan rejoins Hull from Derby |website=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7486205.stm |date=2 July 2008 |accessdate=2 July 2008}}

On Saturday 13 September 2008, Fagan suffered a broken tibia after being on the end of an "horrific tackle" by Newcastle United midfielder Danny Guthrie. Guthrie was sent off in the incident, which occurred in the closing stages of Hull's victory at St James' Park.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hull_city/7617057.stm |title=Hull rocked by Fagan injury blow |date=15 September 2008 |website=BBC Sport |accessdate=15 September 2008}} He returned to action on 26 December 2008 and scored Hull's only goal in a heavy defeat to Manchester City.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7787560.stm |title=Man City 5–1 Hull |last=Brett |first=Oliver |date=26 December 2008 |website=BBC Sport |accessdate=28 December 2008}}

Following Hull City's return to the Championship Fagan spent all of the 2010–11 season sidelined through injury. After the end of the season, on 10 May 2011, the club announced that Fagan had been released from Hull City along with three other players, ending his second stint at the East Riding of Yorkshire club.{{cite web |url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10338~2356967,00.html |title=Tigers Allow Four To Leave |publisher=Hull City A.F.C. |date=10 May 2011 |accessdate=6 June 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907062114/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10338~2356967%2C00.html |archivedate=7 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}

During the close season, Fagan had trials at Championship clubs Cardiff City and Crystal Palace.{{cite web |title=Another one for Whitts as City draw |url=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~2402543,00.html |first=Owen |last=Rawlings |publisher=Cardiff City F.C. |date=26 July 2011 |accessdate=10 October 2013 |archivedate=18 September 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918134949/http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10335~2402543%2C00.html |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://www.bromleytimes.co.uk/football_2_3810/crystal-palace/exclusive_palace_boss_freedman_reveals_targets_as_former_hull_striker_joins_on_trial_1_982822 |title=Palace boss Freedman reveals targets as former Hull striker joins on trial |first=Michael |last=Farrow |newspaper=Bromley Times |date=3 August 2011 |accessdate=4 August 2011}}

He signed for Bradford City on 15 September 2011.{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/9254677.Bradford_City__Parkinson_predicts_great_things_from_former_Premier_League_player_Fagan/ |title=Bradford City: Parkinson predicts great things from former Premier League player Craig Fagan |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=16 September 2011 |accessdate=14 August 2017}} On 8 October 2011 Fagan scored his first goal for Bradford City against Torquay United.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15135219.stm |title=Bradford 1–0 Torquay |date=8 October 2011 |website=BBC Sport |accessdate=8 October 2011}} He scored his second goal for the Bantams in a 2–1 win over Northampton Town.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15319718.stm |title=Bradford 2–1 Northampton |website=BBC Sport |date=22 October 2011 |accessdate=10 January 2012}} His third goal came from the penalty spot in a 3–1 win against AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup on 3 December.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15901890.stm |title=Bradford 3–1 AFC Wimbledon |website=BBC Sport |date=3 December 2011 |accessdate=10 January 2012}} In the next game he missed a penalty in a defeat to Oldham Athletic in the Football League Trophy.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15933148.stm |title=Oldham 2–0 Bradford |website=BBC Sport |date=6 December 2011 |accessdate=10 January 2012}} He scored his fourth goal of the season with a volley in a 3–1 win over Shrewsbury Town.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16324711.stm |title=Bradford 3–1 Shrewsbury |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 December 2011 |accessdate=10 January 2012}} He scored again against Torquay, this time in a 2–1 away win on 18 February. This was his fifth goal for the Bantams.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16995136 |title=Torquay 1–2 Bradford |website=BBC Sport |date=18 February 2012 |accessdate=18 February 2012}} On 1 May 2012, it was announced that he would leave the club after one season, settling his contract early.{{cite web |url=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2756272,00.html |title=Fagan departure confirmed |publisher=Bradford City A.F.C. |date=1 May 2012 |accessdate=1 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503034439/http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10266~2756272%2C00.html |archivedate=3 May 2012}}

In February 2013, Fagan signed for League One Bury until the end of the season.

On 12 November 2013, Fagan signed for Gillingham.{{cite web |title=Gills Sign Striker |url=http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/gills-sign-striker-1171134.aspx |publisher=Gillingham F.C. |date=12 November 2013}} He was released by the club at the end of the 2013–14 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/gillingham-fc-announce-retained-list-may-15-1553437.aspx|title=Gillingham FC announce retained list|date=15 May 2014|accessdate=15 May 2014|publisher=Gillingham F.C.}}

In February 2015, Fagan joined Brunei DPMM FC of the Singaporean S.League.{{cite web |title=Former EPL Star Fagan Sets Sights On S-League title|url=http://www.sleague.com/news-features/news/2015/february/former-epl-star-fagan-sets-sights-on-s-league-title/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218072322/http://www.sleague.com/news-features/news/2015/february/former-epl-star-fagan-sets-sights-on-s-league-title/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=18 February 2015|date=17 February 2015|publisher=S.League|accessdate=17 February 2015}} However, he suffered a long-term injury in only his third game and was subsequently released.{{cite web|title=Fagan out for six months|url=http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2015/03/25/fagan-out-six-months|date=25 March 2015|newspaper=The Brunei Times|accessdate=31 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112736/http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2015/03/25/fagan-out-six-months|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=DPMM FC find Sergio to replace injured Fagan|url=http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2015/03/29/dpmm-fc-find-sergio-replace-injured-fagan|date=29 March 2015|newspaper=The Brunei Times|accessdate=31 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402223026/http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2015/03/29/dpmm-fc-find-sergio-replace-injured-fagan|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead}}

On 5 July 2018, Fagan was appointed to the coaching staff of Hull City's Academy.{{cite news|url=https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/articles/2018/201819-beale-on-fagan-templeman-appointments/|title=Academy Welcomes New Coaches|date=5 July 2018|publisher=Hull City A.F.C.|accessdate=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705121503/https://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/articles/2018/201819-beale-on-fagan-templeman-appointments/|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=dead}} In 2019 Fagan replaced the departing Kevin Maher as under-23 coach at Southend United.{{cite web|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/blues/17857709.craig-fagan-named-southend-uniteds-new-23-team-coach/|title=Craig Fagan is named Southend United's new under 23 team coach|date=23 August 2019|newspaper=Evening Echo|accessdate=9 October 2019}}

In August 2020, Fagan applied to become the manager of the first team of Southend United. It was later decided by the club that he would not get the role but would continue as the under-23s coach. He later went on to get promoted to assistant manager.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11716/12021791/craig-fagan-in-running-for-southend-job-after-u23-coach-applies-to-succeed-sol-campbell|title = Craig Fagan in running for Southend job after U23 coach applies to succeed Sol Campbell}}

Fagan is currently assistant manager to George Elokobi at National League South team Maidstone United.{{Cite web|url=https://maidstoneunited.co.uk/first-team-staff/|title = First Team Staff {{!}} Maidstone United}}

{{notelist}}

Derby County

• Football League Championship play-offs: 2007{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6689971.stm |title=Derby 1–0 West Brom |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |website=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2007 |accessdate=17 November 2019}}

Hull City

• Football League Championship play-offs: 2008{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7416502.stm |title=Bristol City 0–1 Hull: Report |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2008 |accessdate=17 November 2019}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080724190816/http://www.hullcityafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10338~21763%2C00.html Craig Fagan profile] on Hull City official website
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080511184036/http://www.dcfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10270~21763%2C00.html Craig Fagan profile] on Derby County official website
• {{Soccerbase}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fagan, Craig}}

Category:1982 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands

Category:English men's footballers

Category:English expatriate men's footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Men's association football wingers

Category:Birmingham City F.C. players

Category:Bristol City F.C. players

Category:Colchester United F.C. players

Category:Hull City A.F.C. players

Category:Derby County F.C. players

Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players

Category:Bury F.C. players

Category:Gillingham F.C. players

Category:Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Football Club players

Category:Premier League players

Category:English Football League players

Category:Singapore Premier League players

Category:Hull City A.F.C. non-playing staff

Category:Black British sportsmen

Category:21st-century Black British people

Category:English people of Jamaican descent

Category:Sportspeople of Jamaican descent

Category:English expatriate sportspeople in Brunei

Category:21st-century English sportsmen