Gavin Crawford

Gavin Crawford (24 January 1869 – 2 March 1955) was a Scottish footballer who played as a winger or midfielder. Crawford had spells at clubs Woolwich Arsenal, Sheffield United, Millwall and Queens Park Rangers. Playing career Crawford started playing for Glasgow side Fairfield Rangers, with whom he won the Scottish Junior Cup. Onward he moved to join in 1890 Sheffield United of the Midland Counties League. He stayed at Bramall Lane for just over half of a season, playing in eight competitive fixtures altogether. After leaving the Blades, Crawford moved to London to join Woolwich Arsenal, becoming the first professional player for the side. Crawford at first played for Arsenal in the role of a right-winger only to alter his position to be a midfielder. He at once became a regular as the club joined the Football League in 1893. Crawford scored on his League debut for Arsenal in a Second Division match against Walsall Town Swifts on 11 September 1893. He was continually present for Arsenal, becoming club captain after the death of Joe Powell in 1896. However, injury wrecked his 1897–98 season, and he lost his regular place within the side. All in all, he played 211 times for Woolwich Arsenal in pre-league, league and cup games, scoring 18 goals altogether.