Craig Gordon, born on the cusp of the New Year in 1982, is a seasoned Scottish goalkeeper currently playing for Hearts. With an impressive height of 6ft 3in (1.93m) and a sturdy weight of 13st (83kg), he's a formidable figure between the goalposts. His career with the national team further attests to his prowess on the field. Dressed in the number 1 jersey, it's no wonder that his current market value stands at a respectable £85k, as stated by Transfermarkt.
His affiliation with Hearts dates back to 1999 when he joined as a trainee. From the 2002 - 2003 season onwards, his presence became a constant on the field for Hearts, with varying appearances throughout the seasons ranging from a mere three to a full 36. A brief stint was spent at Cowdenbeath on loan during the 2001 - 2002 season, but his return saw him regain his position at Hearts.
In 2007, a £9m transfer saw him shift from the Scottish Premiership to the English Championship with Sunderland, where he made regular appearances until the 2011 - 2012 season. This period of his career was marked by fluctuating performances, ranging from a single appearance in one season to a commendable 34 in another.
After a period of ambiguity concerning his future in 2012, the turning point in Gordon's career came in 2014 when he joined Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. His stay was marked by consistent performances, especially in the seasons from 2014 to 2017 when he made 35 appearances each season. His last season, 2018 - 2019, saw a decline in his appearances, leading to his eventual transfer in 2020.
Rejoining Hearts, he proved to be a critical player with satisfactory performances in the subsequent seasons. As of the current season of 2024 - 2025, Gordon has made 33 first team appearances. His participation extends beyond the Scottish Premiership, with him having played in the League Cup, Scottish Cup, Europa League Qualifiers, Nations League, and the Conference League during the 2024 - 2025 season.
In his years at Celtic, Gordon became an integral part of the team's defence. He was instrumental in the club's successes during those years, which was reflected not only in his consistent and reliable performances but also in the respect and admiration he earned from the fans. His departure to Hearts was met with both disappointment and gratitude for his contributions to Celtic's legacy.
