Craig McAllister had two seasons playing in the Football League with Exeter City between 2008 and 2010 during a career that was predominantly spent in non-league football. He was part of the Grecians squad that won promotion in 2009 appearing as a substitute in the final-day victory at Rotherham. 

After playing for Eastleigh as a twenty-year-old Craig enjoyed a good spell at Basingstoke Town between 2001 and 2004 where he attracted the interest of several professional clubs. Ultimately signing for Stevenage of the Conference in May 2004, Craig then appeared for Gravesend and Northfleet (loan), Eastleigh again (loan), Woking (his most successful time yet), Grays Athletic and Rushden & Diamonds (loan). 

Craig joined Oxford United, also of the Conference, on a short-term deal in January 2008 and scored twice in 17 appearances. Moving on in the summer Craig, as a free agent, stepped up to the Football League for the first time when he agreed terms with the freshly-promoted Exeter City in July 2008. 

At the age of twenty-eight Craig made his Football League debut for Exeter against Shrewsbury on 16 August 2008 having played in the League Cup tie against Southampton four days previously. Used mainly as a substitute Craig scored seven important goals as City won promotion to League One in his first season and, on 2 May 2009, he came on as a 61st minute substitute as City’s success was confirmed with a victory at Rotherham United.      

Craig made 32 of his 37 league and cup appearances for City during that first season with an overall record of 10 starts and 27 substitute appearances. Coming on at Leeds on the opening day of Exeter’s 2009/10 League One campaign, Craig made another four appearances up to and including the home game against MK Dons at the end of August. He then spent the rest of the season in League Two firstly on loan to Barnet and then Rotherham. 

Craig left St James’ Park in May 2010 and returned to non-league football with Crawley Town, Newport County and Luton Town (on loan to a club then in the Conference) before rejoining Eastleigh in June 2012. He then moved to Sutton United and, after a loan to Eastbourne, returned to Eastleigh in February 2017 ahead of his appointment as player-coach at Gosport Borough in January 2018.

Eventually managing Gosport during 2018/19 Craig returned to playing with Blackfield & Langley, Alresford Town, Lymington Town, Baffins Milton Rovers, Lymington once more and Bashley (as player-coach). Moving back to Blackfield & Langley in January 2023 the 42-year-old Craig scored twice on his debut.