Primarily a box-to-box central midfielder, he began his professional career at Mansfield Town in 1999 where he started as a youngster, and established himself in the "Stags" first team in the 2001–02 season, helping them gain promotion into the Second Division.

Deemed surplus to requirements, he joined Shrewsbury Town in May 2009, but injury problems though no fault of his own meant he didn't hold a regular place in the team.

Born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire,[1] Disley came through the youth ranks at Mansfield Town, and was promoted to the club's first team in the summer of 1999 under the management of Bill Dearden.

[2] He made his debut on 23 September 1999 in a 4–0 victory over Shrewsbury Town, coming on as a 67th-minute substitute for Michael Sissons, also picking up his 1st yellow card within 3 minutes.

[28][29] Grimsby Town director John Fenty released a statement following Disley's release; he said: "The club will be arranging a special benefit (testimonial) game for Craig in due course, an opportunity for good many like-minded fans to have the opportunity express their respect for a true Town legend.

Disley's team included former Town players such as Shaun Pearson, Lenell John-Lewis, Liam Hearn, Aristote Nsiala, Nathan Arnold and Michael Boulding.

[32] Manager John McDermott said: "It was a fantastic signing for us and we fought off stiff competition from higher clubs to land his signature.

[38] On 22 November 2022, due to a shortage of players for a match against North Shields, Disley came out of retirement and was named as a substitute.