Background
Crooks was born in Durham but started his career with Bolton Wanderers.
Crooks was born in Durham but started his career with Bolton Wanderers.
He was signed by Stoke City in 1986 after having never made an appearance for Bolton. He made three substitute appearances for Stoke during the 1986-1987 season with all three coming in different competitions. He failed to break into the first team at the Victoria Ground and left for Caernarfon Town.
He had a short and unsuccessful spell at Carlisle United and returned to Welsh league football with Rhyl and Bangor City.