He began his career at schoolboy level with Terenure Rangers before moving to Bohemians making his debut against Bray Wanderers on 3 November 1991.
He signed a new one-year contract on 25 February 2007 with Shels as they got their preparations in place for the new First Division season following the FAI's decision to demote the reigning champions.
[4] Crawford was quoted as saying:[5] After I signed for Shels I spent some time dwelling on my career in England and it seemed to consist of nothing but injuries.
The last two years were a write-off.Crawford joined newly formed Sporting Fingal in February 2008, though he retired through injury at the end of their first season.
Crawford took over as interim manager at Shamrock Rovers after Pat Scully's contract was terminated by mutual consent on 16 October 2008.