Slightly different, Barmby was 29/30 but he was also an ex England international and we got him from the Premier League while we were in League 1, was a fantastic signing for us. Probably one of my favourite ever players, loved seeing him play for us.
Edit: I actually like this signing as I’m not against signing older experienced players but the comparison to Barmby makes no sense.
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.
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