During the 1999–2000 campaign Grimsby manager Alan Buckley made Croudson his second choice keeper and this would eventually see him firmly cement his place behind Town's new number one Danny Coyne.
Incidentally Croudson's step up in ranks would eventually go on to see Andy Love depart for Blundell Park for Ilkeston Town midway through the season.
[3] He signed for the Glanford Park club in August 2001 and after a month with The Iron where he played in 4 games he returned to Grimsby to fight for his place in the team.
[14] With injury problems still surrounding the player he moved to sign for Kettering Town who were managed by former England international Paul Gascoigne.
He then returned to England with Non League Unibond Division One side Cammell Laird but Steve opted to retire due to injury in 2007.
On 9 July 2010 Croudson played the second half of Grimsby's 1–0 pre-season friendly victory over Non League side Brigg Town.
On 30 August 2010 due to injuries to Grimsby keepers Kenny Arthur and Nick Colgan, Croudson was considered to be in contention to make a shock return to the sport to play against Histon in Town's Conference National fixture.
In a solid display, reminiscent of his professional debut for Town 11 years previously Steve pulled off some fine saves and Grimsby were victorious to the scoreline of 2–1 against Histon and was named the man of the match.
[21] He didn't appear on a team sheet again until February 2012 when he was named as a substitute for the FA Trophy match at home to York City.
[23] On 9 May 2014 it was announced that Croudson had departed Grimsby in order to become the academy goalkeeping coach of Premier League side Hull City.