Career
Cringan, a centre half, started his senior career when he joined Sunderland from Douglas Water Football Club in 1910. After five and a half seasons on Wearside he returned to Scotland with Ayr United on a temporary transfer in January 1916. A year later he left the Black Cats on a permanent basis, signing for Celtic in a £600 transfer deal.
Cringan was appointed Celtic captain soon after his arrival, a position he held until 1923.
He eventually left the Parkhead club in October 1923 when he joined Motherwell. A year later he moved to Third Lanark, where he retired following the 1924-1925 season.
Cringan was first selected for the Scottish national side on 26 February 1920, captaining the side in a 1–1 draw against Wales. Cringan also featured in four matches for a Scottish Football League select side.
Cringan"s brother, Jimmy Cringan, was also a professional football player, who played for twelve seasons with Birmingham between 1922 and 1934.