Craig Dawson

Radcliffe Borough

Dawson started his career at youth club Heywood St James, before joining Rochdale St Clements. At the age of 16, whilst working as a glass collector in his local pub in Rochdale, Dawson was approached by Radcliffe Borough chairman Bernard Manning Jr, son of Bernard Manning, later making his debut for the club in a game against Salford City in the middle of the 2007–08 season. Following a loan spell at Flixton, Dawson became a first-team regular after just a few games at Radcliffe. In the two seasons he was at the club he made 95 appearances and scored 15 goals. In the season he left, he was voted the Player of the season by Radcliffe. In 2017, Dawson was included in the Northern Premier League's Greatest 100 Players for the 50th Anniversary of the league, ranking in 14th overall.

Rochdale

In February 2009, Dawson signed for his local club Rochdale on a two-year contract for a fee of £12,000, despite a bid of £30,000 from Crewe Alexandra. Although a Rochdale player, Dawson stayed at Radcliffe on loan until the end of the season. Dawson made his debut for Rochdale reserves, scoring a header from a corner against Manchester City. Dawson was set to make his debut in the second half of the 2008–09 season; however, was set back by injury. Dawson finally got his Rochdale debut on 8 August 2009, starting in the League Two clash with Port Vale at Vale Park. The match ended in a 1–1 draw. Dawson's second game was at Hillsborough Stadium in the…

England Under-21s

Dawson scored two goals on his England under-21 debut against Azerbaijan on 1 September 2011. He played 15 matches for England U21s, scoring six goals.

Great Britain Olympic team

On 2 July 2012, Dawson was selected by Stuart Pearce for the 2012 Great Britain Olympic football team. He featured in the 1–0 victory over Uruguay as a last minute substitution for goalscorer Daniel Sturridge. He also featured in the Olympic quarter-final against South Korea, coming on as a substitute for an injured Micah Richards, and scoring in the penalty shoot-out.

As of match played 29 December 2024

Prior to becoming a professional footballer, Dawson played for Rochdale Cricket Club as a batsman, having trials with Lancashire County Cricket Club.