Matt Crooks
Matt Davidson Rider Crooks (born 20 January 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Hull City.[1] Born in Leeds, Crooks began his career in the youth academy at Huddersfield Town, making his professional debut in 2012. He has since played for several clubs across England and Scotland, including Accrington Stanley, Rangers (on loan), Northampton Town, Rotherham United, and Middlesbrough. In January 2025, he joined Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake before transferring back to England with Hull City later that year. Known for his versatility, Crooks can operate in midfield or as a forward and stands at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m). He was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 18 but has managed the condition while maintaining a professional career.[2][3][4]Early life
Upbringing in Leeds
Matt Crooks was born on 20 January 1994 in Leeds, England, to parents whose roots trace back to Manchester.[1][2] The family's longstanding connections to Manchester, including over 40 years as season ticket holders at Manchester United's Old Trafford, fostered Crooks' lifelong allegiance to the club from an early age.[2][5] His father, Dave Crooks, a deaf international footballer who represented Great Britain at the Deaflympics and earned a gold medal and a silver medal, along with his mother, provided a foundational example of perseverance in sport despite personal challenges, influencing the family's emphasis on resilience and community.[3][6] Growing up in the Leeds area, Crooks was immersed in a local environment that valued community ties and working-class grit, shaping his broader interests in advocacy and support for underrepresented groups, reflective of his family's experiences with deafness.[3] Crooks' initial exposure to football came through participation in local school and community teams in Leeds, serving as a natural progression toward formal youth academy opportunities.[5]Youth academy career
Crooks joined the Manchester United academy at the age of eight in 2002, progressing through the various age groups while developing his skills in a highly competitive environment.[7] During his time there, he trained under notable coaches such as Rene Meulensteen and participated in matches against elite European youth teams, including trips to Andorra, Switzerland, and Barcelona.[8] His family's connections in Manchester helped facilitate his initial entry into the academy.[7] Despite showing promise in physical attributes—rated highly at threes and fours out of four in assessments—Crooks faced challenges with technical proficiency, which was graded lower at ones and twos.[7] The intense competition within the academy, combined with concerns over his physical development relative to technical growth, led to his release at age 14 in 2008, following an earlier temporary release at age 11 that he appealed to continue.[8] This setback was emotionally devastating for the young player, who described crying extensively upon receiving the news.[8] Following his departure from Manchester United, Crooks transferred to the Huddersfield Town academy in 2008 at age 14, where he continued his development by playing in the youth and reserve teams.[7] He earned a scholarship and focused on improving his overall game, including a notable moment at age 16 when he scored in a youth match against his former club.[7] In 2012, at age 18, Crooks signed his first senior professional contract with Huddersfield Town, marking the transition from academy prospect to full-time professional.[4] His initial training experiences involved integrating into the senior setup, emphasizing tactical awareness and physical conditioning alongside youth teammates.[7]Club career
Huddersfield Town (2010–2015)
Crooks signed his first professional contract with Huddersfield Town in November 2010 at the age of 16, marking his promotion from the club's youth academy to the senior setup while still developing his skills in midfield and defense.[9] This deal, initially running until 2014, provided him with opportunities to train alongside the first team, though he remained primarily focused on reserve and development matches during his early years at the John Smith's Stadium.[10] To gain competitive experience in lower leagues, Crooks was loaned out on several occasions starting in 2012. His first senior loan came in March 2012 to FC Halifax Town in the Conference North, where he made 10 appearances and scored once before returning at the end of the season.[4] Later that year, in December 2012, he joined Northern Premier League side Radcliffe Borough on a short-term loan until mid-January 2013, featuring regularly and impressing with his versatility across the backline and midfield.[11] These spells helped build his physicality and tactical awareness, drawing on the strong foundation laid in Huddersfield's youth system. Further loans followed in 2014, including a one-month stint at League Two's Hartlepool United in October, where he played three games, and an initial loan to Accrington Stanley in November that provided additional minutes in competitive environments.[12][13] Crooks finally broke into Huddersfield's first team in the 2014–15 Championship season, making his senior debut on 9 August 2014 in the opening match against AFC Bournemouth at home. Deployed as a central defender in the 0–4 defeat, the 20-year-old academy product showed promise by forcing a save from a header, though he struggled against Bournemouth's attacking prowess.[14] Despite this outing, opportunities remained scarce amid stiff competition for midfield and defensive places, limiting him to just one total appearance for the Terriers in the Championship.[15] Unable to secure a regular starting role, Crooks' time at Huddersfield came to an end on 2 February 2015 when his contract was terminated by mutual consent, allowing him to pursue opportunities elsewhere after five years with the club.[16] This departure reflected the challenges of breaking through in the competitive Championship environment, despite his consistent development through loans and youth contributions.[17]Accrington Stanley (2015–2016)
Following his release from Huddersfield Town in January 2015, Crooks signed a permanent 18-month contract with Accrington Stanley as a free agent on 24 February 2015.[18] This move came after an earlier loan spell at the club during the 2014–15 season, where he had made eight appearances, providing him with familiarity with League Two football and preparing him for a more prominent role after limited opportunities at his parent club.[18] In the 2015–16 season, Crooks established himself as a regular starter in midfield for Accrington Stanley, adapting effectively to the demands of full-time professional football in the fourth tier. He featured in 35 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals, with the majority of his contributions coming in League Two where his versatility allowed him to play as a central midfielder or forward.[19] Notable performances included scoring his first senior goal with a headed equaliser in extra time during a 2–2 draw against Hull City in the League Cup first round on 11 August 2015, though Accrington ultimately lost on penalties.[20] Later, he netted a last-gasp equaliser against Notts County on 22 August 2015 and a winner in a 1–0 victory over Yeovil Town on 29 September 2015, contributing to Accrington's strong start that saw them climb into the promotion playoff positions.[21][22] Crooks' form earned him a nomination for the EFL League Two Player of the Month award in September 2015, highlighted by three goals in his last three outings that month, though he ultimately missed out on the honor.[23] His impact helped Accrington secure a ninth-place finish in League Two, narrowly missing the playoffs, and demonstrated his growth into a key creative and goal-scoring presence from midfield.[19] As his contract neared its end in summer 2016, Crooks opted to pursue opportunities at a higher level, signing a pre-contract agreement with Rangers in January 2016 before departing Accrington at the conclusion of the season.[24] This decision followed interest from Scottish clubs, reflecting his ambition beyond League Two despite the stability he had found at the Crown Ground.[24]Rangers (2016–2017)
Crooks joined Rangers on 1 July 2016, signing a four-year contract on a free transfer from Accrington Stanley following his impressive performances that helped the club reach the League Two play-offs in the 2015–16 season.[25] The move represented a major step up from EFL League Two to the Scottish Premiership, with Crooks expressing excitement about playing in front of large crowds at Ibrox.[26] His time at Rangers was severely limited by injury, as he suffered an ankle ligament issue during pre-season training, sidelining him for 61 days and causing him to miss the opening fixtures of the campaign.[4][27] Crooks made just three appearances across all competitions in the 2016–17 season, all as a substitute. His debut came off the bench in the Betfred Cup group stage against Queen of the South on 20 September 2016, replacing Harry Forrester late in a 5–0 win.[28] He followed this with brief league outings as a substitute: 13 minutes against Kilmarnock on 29 October and 66 minutes versus Heart of Midlothian on 30 November.[29] The depth in Rangers' midfield squad, featuring established players like Jason Holt and new signings such as Joey Barton, restricted Crooks to fringe roles despite his versatility.[30] With limited first-team opportunities and ongoing adaptation challenges to the higher level of competition, Crooks was sent on loan to League One club Scunthorpe United on 12 January 2017 until the end of the season to regain match fitness and playing time.[31]Northampton Town (2017–2019)
Crooks joined Northampton Town from Rangers on 18 July 2017, signing a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee following a limited spell at the Scottish club.[32] The move marked his return to English football after a brief taste of higher-level competition in Scotland, where he had made just three appearances.[33] In his debut 2017–18 League One season, Crooks quickly became a key figure in midfield, featuring in 30 league matches and scoring four goals, including a strike in a 2–1 win over Doncaster Rovers in September.[34] His contributions helped Northampton secure a 22nd-place finish and survival in the third tier, with the versatile 23-year-old often deployed as a central midfielder capable of both defensive duties and forward surges.[35] The following 2018–19 campaign began in League Two after Northampton's relegation, where Crooks maintained his form with 21 league appearances and five goals before departing midway through the season.[34] A standout moment came on 23 October 2018, when he scored a first-half hat-trick in a 5–0 rout of Macclesfield Town, curling in his second goal and finishing clinically for the others to propel Northampton up the table early in the season.[36] His energetic play and goal threat built a solid reputation for reliability in the engine room, totaling 51 appearances and nine goals across both seasons.[34] Crooks left Northampton on 11 January 2019, transferring to Championship side Rotherham United for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year deal, seeking an opportunity at a higher level.[37]Rotherham United (2019–2021)
Crooks joined Rotherham United from Northampton Town on 11 January 2019, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[37] His consistent form as a versatile midfielder during his time at Northampton had been a key factor in attracting interest from the Championship club, which was seeking to bolster its squad ahead of a potential relegation battle. In the 2019–20 League One season, Crooks emerged as a cornerstone of Rotherham's promotion push, making 39 appearances across all competitions and scoring 11 goals.[38] He featured prominently in the league with 35 appearances (31 starts), netting 9 goals, including a crucial brace in a 2–0 victory over promotion rivals Ipswich Town in September 2019, which helped maintain Rotherham's position near the top of the table.[39] Crooks also contributed defensively, averaging 1.5 tackles per game and providing solidity in midfield during a campaign shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic; Rotherham secured automatic promotion as runners-up after the season was curtailed following 35 league matches, with the club earning 62 points.[40] His goal-scoring run in the latter half of the season, including strikes against teams like Fleetwood Town and Blackpool, underscored his growing influence and adaptability in Paul Warne's system.[41] Following promotion, Crooks transitioned to the Championship in the 2020–21 season, where he remained a regular starter for Rotherham, appearing in 40 matches and scoring 6 goals before the team's relegation.[42] His performances included notable contributions in midfield battles, such as interceptions and progressive passes that aided Rotherham's survival efforts early in the campaign, though the side ultimately finished 23rd and dropped back to League One.Middlesbrough (2021–2024)
Crooks joined Middlesbrough from Rotherham United on 23 July 2021 for a fee of £1.1 million, signing a three-year contract until June 2024.[43] His prior promotion experience with Rotherham proved an asset in supporting Middlesbrough's ambitions in the EFL Championship.[44] Over the subsequent three seasons, Crooks established himself as a consistent performer, making 102 league appearances and scoring 20 goals from 2021–22 to 2023–24.[45] He played a key role in the team's playoff pushes, finishing seventh in 2021–22 and fifth in 2022–23 under manager Michael Carrick, who took over in October 2021. Crooks demonstrated strong leadership qualities during this period, often stepping up in critical moments.[46] Notable contributions included a brace of headed goals, culminating in a stoppage-time winner, to secure a 2–1 victory over Reading in January 2022, aiding the playoff charge.[47] In October 2023, he scored in a 4–0 Tees–Wear derby win against Sunderland, helping extend Middlesbrough's winning run during another promotion bid.[48] Crooks departed Middlesbrough in February 2024, six months before his contract expired, transferring to Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake for an undisclosed fee after seeking a new challenge abroad.[49][50]Real Salt Lake (2024–2025)
In February 2024, Matt Crooks signed with Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake from Middlesbrough on a three-year contract through 2026, marking his first professional move outside the United Kingdom.[9][51] The 30-year-old Englishman, who had spent three seasons in the English Championship, brought versatility and experience to the midfield, with head coach Pablo Mastroeni praising his leadership qualities and ability to lead by example in a new environment.[2] During the 2024 MLS regular season, Crooks made 29 appearances, starting 23 matches and accumulating 1,895 minutes while scoring three goals and providing five assists, primarily operating as a central midfielder.[52] He contributed to Real Salt Lake's strong regular-season finish, securing second place in the Western Conference with 59 points, though the team showed inconsistencies in finishing chances and defensive transitions. Crooks extended his impact into the playoffs, featuring in both Western Conference first-round matches against Minnesota United, where he provided a key throughball in the first leg and had a goal disallowed for offside in the second, before RSL's elimination via penalty shootout.[53] This brought his total appearances for the club to 31 across all competitions. Off the pitch, Crooks quickly integrated into the Utah community, earning praise from coaches for his calming presence and leadership amid the team's fluctuating form.[54] His extensive charitable efforts, including work with local youth programs and food banks, led to him being named Real Salt Lake's 2024 Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year in October.[55] After one season, Real Salt Lake transferred Crooks to EFL Championship side Hull City on January 10, 2025, for an undisclosed fee, ending his brief stint in MLS.[56][57]Hull City (2025–present)
On 10 January 2025, Hull City signed midfielder Matt Crooks from Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake for an undisclosed fee, securing him on a two-and-a-half-year contract until June 2027.[58][59][1] Crooks made an immediate impact upon his return to English football, debuting in the EFL Championship on 18 January 2025 and contributing to Hull City's solid start under head coach Sergej Jakirović, who had been appointed in June 2025.[60] By early November 2025, he had made 9 appearances in the Championship, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists, alongside 1 appearance and 1 goal in the EFL Cup, helping the team secure a position in the top half of the table amid a playoff push.[61][62] His adaptation back to the Championship has been marked by versatile deployment, often starting as a central midfielder but also filling roles on the right wing and in attacking midfield to support Jakirović's flexible 4-2-3-1 system.[58][63] This adaptability, honed during his stint at Real Salt Lake, has allowed him to integrate quickly into the squad's pressing and transitional play.[57] As of November 2025, Crooks remains a consistent starter, having featured in 10 of Hull City's 15 Championship matches, though he has managed a minor chest injury that may require surgery postponed until the season's end.[64][61] His contract runs through 2027, positioning him as a key asset for the club's ambitions without immediate extension discussions reported.[1]Personal life
Health challenges
Matt Crooks was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 18 in 2012 while playing in the Huddersfield Town academy. His first seizure occurred following a night out with teammates, during which he blacked out and awoke confused in the hospital.[65][66] The diagnosis led to thorough medical assessments by the club's staff and neurologists, who confirmed generalised epilepsy and initiated treatment. To manage the condition and sustain his early career progression, Crooks began daily medication and underwent adjustments to his regimen as needed. Despite the initial uncertainty, he remained determined to pursue professional football without considering retirement.[67][65] Crooks continues to handle his epilepsy through consistent medication, lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers such as alcohol, stress, and fatigue, and guidance from the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). These approaches have supported his sustained performance at elite levels, including stints with clubs like Middlesbrough and Real Salt Lake.[67][65] In public interviews, Crooks has advocated for greater epilepsy awareness, sharing insights on integrating condition management with the rigors of professional football to encourage and assist others facing similar challenges.[67][3]Philanthropy and interests
Crooks serves as Vice Chair and Trustee of the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust, established in 2020 following the murder of his close friend and former teammate Jordan Sinnott, a professional footballer killed at age 24 after a night out in Retford, Nottinghamshire.[68][69] The foundation's mission centers on empowering children and young adults through funding and support for sports participation, aiming to enable disadvantaged youth to reach their potential and promote positive values in football, including efforts to counter violence associated with the sport by fostering inclusive opportunities.[70][71] Crooks has actively contributed to its initiatives, such as fundraising events and grant distributions to community projects that aid underprivileged aspiring players.[72] Throughout his career, Crooks has engaged in community outreach at various clubs, including fan interaction events and youth mentoring programs. At Middlesbrough, he was twice recognized for off-field contributions, earning the club's Community Player of the Year award for his involvement in local initiatives that supported young fans and disadvantaged groups.[73] During his stint with Real Salt Lake in 2024, he volunteered with organizations like the Utah Food Bank and Special Olympics Utah, participated in the club's foundation youth soccer programs, and personally purchased tickets to bring children from underserved communities to playoff matches, earning him the 2024 Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year honor.[74][55] Crooks grew up in a family with deaf parents; his father, Dave Crooks, represented Great Britain in football at four Deaflympics, winning one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.[5] A lifelong Manchester United supporter raised in a family with deep roots in the Manchester area, Crooks joined the club's academy as a youth and credits the experience with shaping his career aspirations, despite being released at age 14.[8] He continues to attend matches when possible and has expressed how his fandom influenced his drive to succeed in professional football, including memorable moments like scoring against his boyhood team in 2022.[75] In his personal life, Crooks prioritizes family, having become a father in recent years, which he has described as a pivotal influence on his perspective and commitments outside the sport.[5]Playing style
Positional versatility
Matt Crooks primarily operates as a central midfielder but has exhibited notable positional versatility, regularly featuring in roles such as attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder, right midfielder, centre-forward, and centre-back across his professional career.[76] In his early senior appearances, particularly at Accrington Stanley, Crooks was deployed predominantly as a defensive midfielder, providing solidity in holding roles during the 2014–2016 period.[77] His time at Rangers in 2016–2017 continued this emphasis on defensive contributions, where he served as a holding midfielder and occasional centre-back to bolster the backline. This foundation in protective duties evolved as he progressed to higher levels, with Crooks transitioning to more advanced positions in his senior career, especially from Northampton Town onward. At Rotherham United (2019–2021), Crooks expanded his repertoire beyond central midfield, frequently lining up out wide on the right or in forward areas to support attacking transitions, which allowed the team greater fluidity in build-up play.[78] This shift highlighted his growing comfort in offensive zones, contributing to Rotherham's promotion efforts through adaptive positioning. By the time he joined Middlesbrough in 2021, Crooks had further refined his forward-thinking roles, often playing as an attacking midfielder (#10) or even centre-forward (#9), while retaining the ability to drop into box-to-box (#8) duties.[2] Managers have frequently lauded Crooks' tactical flexibility, with Middlesbrough's Michael Carrick noting his capacity to operate "across the pitch" in various systems, enabling seamless adjustments during matches.[2] For instance, during the 2022–2023 EFL Championship season at Middlesbrough, Crooks switched from deeper midfield starts to a primary #10 role mid-campaign, where he ranked sixth in league assists, underscoring his value in enhancing team versatility.[2] This adaptability has proven essential in formations like 4-3-3 and 3-5-2, allowing clubs to exploit his physical presence and decision-making in both defensive and attacking phases without disrupting overall structure.[79]Key attributes and reception
Matt Crooks stands at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), providing him with a commanding physical presence that excels in aerial duels, where he has won approximately 92% of contests in recent seasons.[80] His height and build contribute to strength in physical challenges, while his endurance supports a high-energy, box-to-box style of play that covers significant ground during matches.[81] Technically, Crooks has demonstrated proficiency as a goal-scoring midfielder, amassing over 50 career goals across various leagues, including notable contributions from midfield positions.[2] His passing accuracy stands at around 84-85% in competitive fixtures, enabling effective distribution and progression of play.[80][82] Leadership qualities are evident in his on-pitch demeanor, often setting standards through consistent effort and team-oriented actions.[83] Crooks has received widespread praise from coaches and peers for his work rate and exemplary professionalism, with Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick describing him as someone who "leads by example with how he trains every single day and the standards he sets."[83] This recognition is underscored by two PFA Team of the Year selections during his time in the lower English leagues, highlighting his impact and dedication.[84] While occasional inconsistencies have been noted in adapting to higher league demands, his overall legacy remains positive, marked by reliability and contributions to team success.[81] His positional versatility has allowed these attributes to shine across multiple roles, enhancing his value to clubs.[2]Career statistics and honours
Club statistics
Matt Crooks began his professional career in the 2014–15 season and, as of November 17, 2025, has accumulated 378 appearances, 67 goals, and 32 assists across all competitions in domestic leagues, cups, and playoffs.[85] These figures encompass his contributions in the English Football League (EFL) system, Scottish Premiership, Major League Soccer (MLS), and associated cup competitions, with a focus on league play in divisions such as League One, League Two, Championship, Scottish Premiership, and MLS regular season.[85] The following table summarizes his club statistics by club, including breakdowns for league and cup/playoff appearances:| Club | Years | League (Apps / Goals / Assists) | Cups / Playoffs (Apps / Goals / Assists) | Total (Apps / Goals / Assists) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huddersfield Town | 2014–2015 | League One: 1 / 0 / 0 | — | 1 / 0 / 0 |
| Hartlepool United (loan) | 2014–2015 | League Two: 3 / 0 / 0 | — | 3 / 0 / 0 |
| Accrington Stanley | 2014–2016 | League Two: 48 / 6 / 3 | — | 48 / 6 / 3 |
| Rangers | 2016–2017 | Scottish Premiership: 2 / 0 / 0 | — | 2 / 0 / 0 |
| Scunthorpe United (loan) | 2017 | League One: 12 / 3 / 1 | — | 12 / 3 / 1 |
| Northampton Town | 2017–2019 | League One: 30 / 4 / 0 League Two: 21 / 5 / 0 | — | 51 / 9 / 0 |
| Rotherham United | 2018–2021 | League One: 33 / 9 / 4 Championship: 56 / 9 / 3 | — | 89 / 18 / 7 |
| Middlesbrough | 2021–2024 | Championship: 102 / 20 / 14 | FA Cup / League Cup: 11 / 3 / 1 | 113 / 23 / 15 |
| Real Salt Lake | 2024 | MLS: 29 / 3 / 3 | MLS Cup Playoffs: 2 / 0 / 1 | 31 / 3 / 4 |
| Hull City | 2025–present | Championship: 27 / 4 / 2 | League Cup: 1 / 1 / 0 | 28 / 5 / 2 |