Name William Cringan Role Footballer | Died May 12, 1958 | |
William "Willie" Cringan (21 April 1890 in Muirkirk, Ayrshire – 12 May 1958) was a Scottish international footballer who played for Sunderland, Ayr United, Celtic, Third Lanark and Motherwell.
Cringan, a centre half, started his senior career when he joined Sunderland from Douglas Water FC in 1910. After five and a half seasons on Wearside he returned to Scotland with Ayr United on a temporary transfer in January 1916. A year later he left the Black Cats on a permanent basis, signing for Celtic in a £600 transfer deal.
Cringan was appointed Celtic captain soon after his arrival, a position he held until 1923. During this time the club won the 1917, 1919 and 1922 League titles. He eventually left the Parkhead club in October 1923 when he joined Motherwell. A year later he moved to Third Lanark, where he retired following the 1924–25 season.
Cringan was first selected for the Scottish national side on 26 February 1920, captaining the side in a 1–1 draw against Wales. He was not selected again until 1923 but would eventually win a total of five international caps, three as captain. Cringan also featured in four matches for a Scottish Football League select side.
Cringan's brother, Jimmy Cringan, was also a professional footballer, who played for twelve seasons with Birmingham between 1922 and 1934.