He then moved into the Non-League game where he turned out for York City, Gainsborough Trinity, Stafford Rangers, Leigh RMI and Accrington Stanley.

He joined Torquay United on loan in August 1988, playing 13 games at the start of the season, keeping Ken Veysey out of the side.

On 15 September that year in a game against Rochdale at Spotland, Crichton achieved a rare if not unique feat by saving the same penalty three times.

He was an ever-present in his first season at Blundell Park, hardly missing a game for 3 years until September 1996, when he moved to West Bromwich Albion for £250,000, playing under his former Grimsby manager Alan Buckley.

However, after Cambridge lost 5–0 twice in succession, Crichton was recalled from his loan, and was present in goal during the club record victory on 31 March 2007 (7–0 v. Weymouth).

He was released by Cambridge in May 2007 and returned to King's Lynn on a permanent contract for the 2007–08 season,[13] but was allowed to leave to join Brighton & Hove Albion as goalkeeping coach, to further his career.

On 9 February 2009, he moved to take over as goalkeeping coach at Norwich City replacing Tommy Wright, after Bryan Gunn was appointed as manager.

[17] On 9 July, having only taken part in a week's worth of pre-season training, Crichton departed Grimsby and joined Blackpool in a similar role.

[20] After emigrating to the United States to open a soccer school, Crichton was appointed assistant coach of Miami FC, under manager Paul Dalglish.

[22] On 15 February 2023, it was confirmed Crichton had been appointed goalkeeper coach at National Women's Soccer League club Orlando Pride.