Leeds had been relegated by then, he signed for us at 30 in L2 but he was key in our championship promotion 4 years later. So same age as Crooks when he signed and still championship capable at 34, despite playing a couple of seasons at a lower level. 30 is not particularly old in this day and age. I'd be more concerned that he hadn't ripped up MLS - though 3 goals and 4 assists in 31 isn't awful - but that in itself isn't a reason to dismiss the signing either. He clearly hasn't settled if he's on his way back now, but he was clearly doing a job for Boro last season.
We've been crying out for players with a bit of Championship experience and players that won't allow themselves to be bullied off the ball,this lad fits both requirements pretty well.Big threat from set-pieces with his height,thumbs up from me.
We’re in a different market in comparison to last January when we got Carvalho, we were playoff bound then. Crooks would’ve been a concerning signing then maybe but he fits what we need now. Different midfield profile with some championship experience who I assume who won’t cost a huge amount.
Linked with Porteus from Watford. Quite highly rated, but all I remember him for was Philogene making him look stupid lasts season.
I didn't expect that length of deal to be honest but I've got a feeling we'll be seeing plenty of him.
Takes him to 33 so he would probably have some sort of residual value in his final year if we need to move him on.
The players we have been linked with today are exactly the type of players we need. Help to steer us out of this mess.
A bit of experience in the team isnt a bad thing, and given where we are currently we aren't going to attract the jewels to fit our crown. I know it's nice to think we can get the cream, but afraid its semi skimmed stuff for now. We need players who are gonna roll up their sleeves, dig in, and get us out of this mess, yes I'm sure we'll bring in some talent, but it won't be refined and will be a spin of a coin whether they can produce for us.
Completely wrong, we were in league 1 and he played for us in the championship the season after so he would’ve been 31 and he’d only just been relegated from the premier league, the signing we’re making has only just finished the season in MLS. And Barmby was a far better player than Crooks ever was/will be so the comparison is daft. As I also said, I’m not against this signing, I think he will prove valuable to us as we’re crying out for an older experienced head.
We are, but we overloaded on that certain type of small midfielder, it nearly bankrupted us, hopefully Crooks adds the final balance and we can concentrate on strengthening the other positions now.
My point was that dismissing a player based purely on age on age and league most recently played in is ridiculous. He signed for us in 2004/5 technically but you're right he didn't play in L2. It's.worth noting though that he was still championship capable when he took the managers job in 2010/11 albeit from the bench. Maybe Deano would have been a better comparison, but a 2 1/2 year deal for a 30 year old isn't exactly a crazy proposition. Especially for a predominantly young side crying out for experience
Good to see someone has realised that having someone who is 6’4” in amongst our diminutive midfield is a good idea.
Crook 27 games and 5 goals in a promotion chasing side last year. And I guess he left before the season finished. Maybe sub. On paper, it's looks like it will improve us.
We're looking at Crooks, Palmer and Omur as potential 10's with Palmer injured for the foreseeable. It's not a crazy overload in the short term but I accept there has been a lot of churn in that position. But then there has been everywhere else too. Hopefully the focus on youth in summer and the new DOF puts an end to that level.of churn going forward.
