Prior to joining the R.U.C. from Distillery in 1981 Craig McCandless had trials with Chelsea and talks with Bristol City on a possible transfer. He had also been capped four times as an Irish youth International. Instead he opted to join the police and became a part of the “golden generation” of R.U.C. Soccer and a forward line that included the famous Caughey and MacCartney double act.

Making his debut on 10th. October 1981 against Brantwood in the Irish League “B” Division when he came on as a substitute replacing Bobbie Keatley. McCandless soon made his mark as an outstanding winger who became a member of the most successful ever police team; winning the British police cup in 1982 , 1983 and 1986, the Smirnoff Cup in 1983, 1985 and 1986, Irish League “B” division 1986/87 and Irish Intermediate cup 1985 and 1987.

McCandless also represented the British police against Fulham and played in the famous R.U.C. / Linfield Irish cup game that saw the Police loose 3-2 with a last minute winner from Linfield.

In 1989 McCandless left the R.U.C. club to join Ards where he spent a year and played 37 games before moving to Linfield in 1990 where he became a first team regular and toured America with the Blues. Leaving Linfield in 1992 he moved briefly to Distillery before joining Ards Rangers and then moving on to Killyleagh, Ards Rangers and eventually Comber Rec. where he played in the loosing Steele Cup and Intermediate Cup finals against Dundela in 1999.

Arguably one of the most talented players ever to join the R.U.C. he will always be remembered for his popularity on and off the field allied to his outstanding ability to go by players with his dribbling skills.