[1][3] Crooks was born in Durham but started his career with Bolton Wanderers.
[1] He was signed by Stoke City in 1986 after having never made an appearance for Bolton.
[1] He made three substitute appearances for Stoke during the 1986–87 season with all three coming in different competitions.
[1] He failed to break into the first team at the Victoria Ground and left for Caernarfon Town.
[1] He had a short and unsuccessful spell at Carlisle United and returned to Welsh league football with Rhyl and Bangor City.