He was a played that many supporters had heard of before. He'd been a regular at Man City having come through the ranks with the Citizens, and played in their famous play off final victory against Gillingham.

However, when City won a place in the Premiership, it proved to be a step too far for Crooks, and he lost his place as a result. A loan spell at Northampton followed by a £190,000 move to Barnsley.

He spent three years at Oakwell, followed by a couple of years at Bradford which included a lengthy loan spell at Notts County before arriving at Spotland.

He played just over half the games in his first season at Spotland. He was pretty much a squad player rather than a first team regular, but he certainly did a job when called upon. He was played both in the centre of defence or in midfield.

As the season wore on, he became a very important member of the squad. What he brings to the Dale side is both experience and intelligence, and whilst he may not race around the pitch, he has a great ability to influence games, and whilst under the cosh, he's at his best.

Crooks signed a new contract in the Summer of 2008.