Carluke footballer Craig Storie tipped as star of the future

Graham Storie said that Aberdeen FC midfielder Craig (18) – tipped to be a major star of the future – spoke to the legendary ex-manager when United were keen to sign him back in April 2011.

“Craig and Aberdeen coach Neil Simpson were with Sir Alex and a group of players in United’s canteen,” Graham said.

“Sir Alex asked Craig where he was from. Craig thought that Sir Alex wouldn’t know where Carluke was, so he falsely replied: ‘Glasgow’.

“Sir Alex, a proud Glaswegian, then said jokingly: ‘Don’t flatter yourself young man, where do you really come from?’

“It was only then that Craig said: ‘Carluke’ and of course Sir Alex knew where it was.”

Craig – who also spoke to Ryan Giggs during his four-day stint with United – returned north having impressed their coaches with his skills on the training pitch.

A United scout contacted Graham six months later to say the English giants wanted to sign Craig, who was very keen on the move south.

But Graham said that Craig never got his dream transfer to the English Premier League as Aberdeen insisted that the teenager honoured the 18 months remaining on his deal at Pittodrie.

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.