![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/i-renovated-houses-after-prem-career-ended-but-returned-to-the-champions-league/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HB-OFF-PLATFORM-HARRISON.jpg&description=WHO ARE YA Published : 16:19, 18 Jul 2023 CRAIG HARRISON had to retire from football after a career-ending injury and renovated houses until he rediscovered his passion and returned as a manager. Harrison started his professional career at Middlesbrough in 1996 and went on to amass a total of 22 appearances until 2000 as he was also loaned out to Preston North End as well as Crystal Palace . 3 Craig Harrison's Premier League dreams were shattered at the age of 26 after an injury Credit: Alamy 3 Harrison spent three years renovating and selling houses after his injury Credit: Getty The former defender signed a permanent deal with Palace 13 years ago and played in 44 matches until 2003 when he suffered a horrific injury. It was during a reserves game when a bad tackle led to a double compound fracture in the Gateshead native's left leg and ended his career at the age of 26. Harrison told TalkSPORT : "It's every boy's dream to be a professional footballer. Especially in the north-east of England which is a hotbed of football. "You have got people like Paul Gascoigne to look up to, etc. You get the opportunity to play for Middlesbrough in the Premier League and then move on to Crystal Palace in the Championship. "You are probably just about to come into your prime before an injury like that, it changes your life upside-down and not for the better." Harrison spent 19 months rehabilitating and went under the knife three times. Sadly, however, he never managed to return to the pitch and spent three years renovating as well as selling properties after prematurely rolling credits on his career. He wanted nothing to do with football at that time and wouldn't even watch games on TV. However, Harrison found his way back to the sport as a manager in 2008 and has since found success in Wales where he is in charge of The New Saints. And he has led TNS to seven league titles, four Welsh Cups and three Welsh League Cups. Harrison has also managed 15 Champions League qualifiers and i){kind=link}
CRAIG HARRISON had to retire from football after a career-ending injury and renovated houses – until he rediscovered his passion and returned as a manager.
Harrison started his professional career at Middlesbrough in 1996 and made 22 appearances, also being loaned out to Preston North End and Crystal Palace.
The former defender signed a permanent deal with Palace 13 years ago and played in 44 matches until 2003 when he suffered an horrific injury.
It was during a reserve game when a bad tackle led to a double compound fracture in the Gateshead native’s left leg and ended his career at the age of 26.
Harrison told talkSPORT: “It’s every boy’s dream to be a professional footballer. Especially in the north-east of England which is a hotbed of football.