Cheltenham Town FC

Craig, 25, joined Cheltenham Town on loan until Wednesday 1 January from Conference Premier side Macclesfield yesterday afternoon and he arrived at the Abbey Business Stadium earlier today to finish the relevant paperwork and catch up with www.ctfc.com.

The left back has recently been on trial with Colchester United and played for the U's just the other night versus West Ham United. He has been monitored closely by a number of clubs and Craig revealed to us that he turned down an offer from a League One club to join Cheltenham Town.

"I jumped at the chance as soon as I heard Cheltenham were interested." he smiled.

"I'm over the moon because playing in the Football League was key for me. There was some interest from other clubs but I wanted to be here once I heard Mark Yates was interested in me because I've heard good things."

Craig started out with Charlton as a youngster and has since moved around non-league with a short spell in the Football League with Peterborough but he was never handed a chance with the Posh so he had to find his feet with clubs such as Farnborough and Macclesfield.

Playing in the Football League was a huge motivation for Craig to join the Robins on loan and he admitted Mark Yates' ability of getting the best out of players was the chance he needed.

"I want my chance in the Football League," explained Craig.

"The manager has a track record of getting the best out of players who come from non-league and changing people's lives just by giving them a go so it was a no brainer for me. After speaking with Mark and Neil it was a simple decision. This is a promotion chasing side and I hope I can be a part of it.

It's fair to say that Craig found his feet at Moss Rose with Macclesfield Town and he enjoyed a solid 2012-13 season with the club.

Macclesfield and it's fans will miss Craig but the left back had kind words for both the club and the Silkmen supporters.

"I want to wish Macclesfield Town all the best.

"They have a great manager in John Askey and Efe Sodje has been amazing. I am sure they will do well this season and I don't even have in my mind the worry of relegation because I think they will be up there. I wish them all the best and I hope they wish me the best too.

"They are a great club and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Macclesfield. The supporters got right behind me 100% and I have to thank them for getting me to where I am today. I just need to push on now and seal myself a place at this club."

Craig's loan spell runs through until New Year's Day 2014 but it's a deal that could be extended further depending on his performances here at Cheltenham Town.

The former Grays Athletic and Farnborough defender understands the challenges ahead of him but he is determined to prove himself a success and win a more permanent position with the Robins.

"I want to be here more permanently, 100%," he said.

"A lot of League Two clubs get labelled with not having the best of stadiums but I love this stadium because it's so enclosed and I can just imagine myself playing here every week. If the manager likes me then he will offer me a longer deal and I will snap his hand off because this is where I want to be."