Craig 'Toorie' Winter 2009/10
Where were you brought up and what team did you support growing up?
Dunfermline but Dad's side of the family were from Watson Place. I cannot deny it ! I was a Townie to start with but I soon saw the light.
When did you start playing football and who did you play for as a youth?
When I was seven to eight years old, I played for the Cubs, then for Wellwood Boys Club. I also played for Inverkeithing United and Lochgelly Albert Colts. Later on I played for the Civil service in Rosyth before joining Hutcheson Vale from where I was picked up by Hibs.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
Toorie Winter Senior. My dad was always there. He was my biggest fan as well as my biggest critic. We used to always analyse every one of my games together.
What is your best memory from your promotion season as Captain of Cowden?
The build up to the last game of the season against Brechin - the whole week preceding the game. The team stayed at a hotel before the match. It was brilliant to score the winning goal. There were lots of characters in the team. I can indeed confirm that a photograph of Dick Campbell was put up in the Home Dressing Room before the game and it certainly helped with motivation.
What has been your best achievement in football so far?
I have played football at good stadiums against some great teams but I feel my best achievement was winning a Championship Medal with Brechin. There is just no feeling like it.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
There was nothing worse than being relegated with Brechin from the First Division back to the Second Division and with Cowden from the Second to the Third.
Who are the biggest characters you have met in Football and why?
Cowden fans will hate me for this but it's got to be Dick Campbell and Jim Leishman! Also Gerry McCabe and Craig Levein.
Who is the best player you have seen in the flesh and one you have played with?
Best players seen Zidane and Messi. Both are unbelievable. The best I have played against is Gus Poyet at Spurs.
What are your hopes for this season in the Second Division?
I would like to see us going for the Championship. I haven't seen any teams we should fear. On our day we are better than anyone else. You have got to aim high.
What do you think of the present squad?
Very good indeed. I'm the oldest in the team, it's weird that way. We have a load of very good youngsters and I love working with them. The team spirit is great - we all play for each other.
Who's got the best/worst dress sense at the Club?
The Gaffer, or maybe Frankie Fairbairn. The worst absolutely is Paul McQuade.
Who's most likely to sook up to the gaffer to get a game?
Robbo or Beaky - both Daddy's boys.
How did your second move to the Blue Brazil come about?
I had a falling out at Forfar with Dick Campbell and he didn't take kindly to what I had to say. Danny Lennon had spoken to Dick Campbell on a number of occasions about me and Dick mentioned the Cowden interest. I jumped at the chance to rejoin Cowden.
What is your early impression of the set up at CFC?
I keep my head down but the gaffer and the management team are well in control. I'm very impressed with the very thorough methods for match preparations each week.
Do you have ambitions to move into coaching/management when your playing career is over.
I would like to have started with coaching - I have some licences but it is on the back burner at the moment due to my personal circumstances i.e. My young family.
Tell us something that we won't know about you?
I have a special way of going on to the park for the game,on the half of the pitch where we are starting - left foot, right foot, left foot etc. Just my wee superstitious ritual I suppose.
Have you got a message for the fans?
Very many thanks for the way you have welcomed me back. It is brilliant to see the numbers, particularly at away games. I just wish there could be many more, particularly to watch the young guys.
