# Craig Lynch

Craig Thomas Lynch (born 25 March 1992) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is currently manager of Morpeth Town.

## Playing career
### Sunderland

Born in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, Lynch turned professional in 2010 after two seasons in Sunderland's academy. In 2008, Lynch signed his first professional contract with the club.
He was called up into the first team in April 2011, and made his professional debut on 30 April, coming on as a substitute in their 3–0 home loss to Fulham in the Premier League. Two months later in July, Lynch signed a two-year contract with the club.
Under the management of Martin O'Neill, it announced that Lynch go out on loan to gain first team experience. On 8 September 2012, he joined Football League One side Hartlepool United on a one-month loan deal. Lynch scored his first goal for the club, in a 3–1 loss against Colchester United on 27 September 2012. Despite losing 3–1, Manager Neale Cooper praised Lynch performance, as well as, his goal. After making six appearances and scoring once, Lynch returned to his parent club after spending one month at Hartlepool United.

### Rochdale

On 18 February 2014, Lynch joined Rochdale following his release from Sunderland.
On 3 May 2014, Lynch made his only appearance for Rochdale, coming on as substitute on the 56th minute of the final game of the season, a 2–1 defeat away at Newport County. Lynch was among released at the end of the season.

### Non-League

After being released by Rochdale, Lynch moved to Spennymoor Town of the Northern Premier League Division One North on 8 August 2014.
On 5 February 2015, Blyth Spartans announced the signing of Lynch. In November 2015 he joined Seaham Red Star.

## Managerial career

In February 2018 Lynch was appointed manager of Seaham Red Star.
In June 2018 Lynch joined Morpeth Town as assistant manager. In September 2021 he was appointed caretaker manager of Morpeth. He was given the job permanently the following month.
During his first season in charge, Lynch guided Morpeth Town to their best ever run in the FA Trophy and equal best run in the FA Cup, on both occasions losing to then National League North team York City. He also guided the club to safety after a poor start to the season under Stephen Turnbull, including a run of 1 league defeat in 18 games following his appointment.

## Career statistics

    As of 4 June 2014.
| Club | Season | League | League | FA Cup | FA Cup | League Cup | League Cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Sunderland | 2010–11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Sunderland total | Sunderland total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Hartlepool (loan) | 2012–13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
| Rochdale | 2013–14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Spennymoor | 2014–15 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Blyth Spartans | 2015– | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career total | Career total | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 |

## Managerial statistics

| Team | Nation | From | To | Record | Record | Record | Record | Record | Record | Record | Record |
| Team | Nation | From | To | G | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Win % |
| Morpeth Town | England | 12 September 2021 | Present | 176 | 70 | 40 | 66 | 293 | 280 | +13 | 39.77 |
| Total | Total | Total | Total | 176 | 70 | 40 | 66 | 293 | 280 | +13 | 39.77 |
    As of 2 March 2025