Middlesbrough recruited Rotherham United midfielder Matt Crooks in the summer of 2021, and Boro manager Neil Warnock accurately predicted how his Riverside career would go.
Boro paid a reported sum of £1.1 million to bring the tall midfielder to the Riverside Stadium in July 2021. He previously spent two and a half years with the Millers.
The 27-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Teessiders after a successful season at Rotherham United, despite being relegated from the Championship in 2020/21. He scored six goals and assisted three times.
Crooks’ success as a Middlesbrough player led to him becoming a cult legend among Boro fans. Warnock had predicted this, therefore it was inevitable.
“A whole-hearted player” – Neil Warnock got his Middlesbrough Matt Crooks prediction spot on
Every now and then, a player comes along who is able to form an instant and lasting bond with a club’s fans, and Crooks achieved exactly that after joining Middlesbrough.
Warnock was certain that this would also be the case, having previously stated that Boro fans would fall in love with their new signing at first sight.
Warnock expressed excitement at Crooks’ signing to The Northern Echo, stating, “I’m delighted to have got him, I’ve always liked Matthew.”
“He can play in a variety of positions, and he’s a passionate player who I believe the fans will enjoy. I’m confident he’ll have a nice few years at Middlesbrough.”
| Crooks’ Middlesbrough career stats by position (when part of starting XI) – per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Central midfield | 44 | 12 | 5 |
| Attacking midfield | 25 | 5 | 6 |
| Defensive midfield | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Centre-forward | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Second striker | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Warnock was spot on with his assessment of what Crooks would bring to Middlesbrough, particularly his versatility. Crooks started 84 games for the Boro in five different positions, ranging from defensive midfield to centre forward.
Crooks has had a great career at Middlesbrough, with memorable and crucial goals, consistent performances, and a fantastic temperament.
Crooks’ debut season with Middlesbrough was possibly his best. He appeared 40 times in the 2021/22 Championship season, scoring ten goals and assisting twice, and added another goal and an assist in four FA Cup games.
Those two direct goal contributions were extremely important and memorable. Crooks’ – albeit highly dubious handball-related – goal at Old Trafford levelled the scores against Manchester United, before Boro eliminated the Red Devils from the FA Cup on penalties.
While his assist came in the following round, he sent the ball to Josh Coburn, who scored a 107th-minute winner to knock Tottenham out of the competition in the fifth round.
He would follow up his first season on Teesside with a successful year in 2022/23, scoring seven goals and assisting six times in 39 Championship appearances.
His final season with the Boro occurred in 2023/24, when he appeared in 25 Championship games, scoring three goals and assisting six others. He also scored twice in six Carabao Cup appearances as Middlesbrough advanced to the competition’s semi-finals that season.
In February 2024, Crooks left Middlesbrough to join Real Salt Lake after a rotational role under Michael Carrick, marking the end of his career.
Crooks wrote a heartfelt goodbye message to the football club and its fans, stating, “When I first joined, I remember saying ‘it’s Middlesbrough’, and I haven’t been disappointed. What a club.”
Only six months ago, I described this place as my home, and it will remain so. But life is short, and we only get one shot at it, so the opportunity to experience football and life in another country with my family was one I was eager to pursue.
“I gave it my best from the first game, when I played as a difficult right-winger away to Fulham, to the domestic semi-final against Chelsea. Under each manager, I had new problems and situations, but they all offered me with experiences that I am sure I will cherish. Reading at home, United away, Tottenham at home, and Chelsea at home. Fantastic.
“Best wishes to everyone involved with the club for the remainder of the season; I’m confident that the players and staff will give their all until the season ends. Aside from football, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust since I first arrived.
“We’ve raised enormous sums of money together, and I hope you’ll continue to keep an eye on what we do. Hair is fine; there is no need to question it. Belters, all the time? Not sure. “Up the burrow, Tree.”
Whatever task he was assigned, he completed without hesitation or bother, his desire to wear the Middlesbrough crest on his breast with the pride and passion it deserves clear every time he crossed the white line.
Middlesbrough Football Club saw a great return on their investment in Crooks, while Boro fans gained a beloved cult hero who always gave his all in a red and white shirt.
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