Garth Crooks

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Crooks was born in Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, and is of Jamaican descent. He progressed through the youth ranks at Stoke City, signing professional forms in March 1976. He made his debut in April 1976 against Coventry City, becoming the first black player to play for Stoke since Roy Brown in the 1940s. He transferred to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 1980 for £650,000. He scored on his debut against Nottingham Forest and formed a successful striking partnership with Steve Archibald. He later went on loan to Manchester United and had spells at West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic before a knee injury forced his retirement in 1990.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed against the terraces of White Hart Lane, turning the pitch into a slick, treacherous sheet, but inside the stadium, the air crackled with static. The ball found Garth Crooks on the right touchline, isolated against a tiring defender in blue. With a sudden, explosive burst of acceleration that seemed to defy gravity, he surged past the man, leaving him rooted to the spot. The crowd erupted as he cut inside, his boots churning up wet earth with every stride. He didn't need to look; muscle memory dictated the geometry of the pass. A low, driven cross sliced through the chaotic defense, finding the striker's chest just as the referee's whistle signaled a goal that would seal another cup victory for the Lilywhites.

Reader's Guide

Crooks represented England at under-21 level, making four appearances and scoring three goals. He first worked in the media as a guest presenter on Top of the Pops on 25 March 1982, then as a match analyst at the 1982 and 1990 World Cups. He appeared regularly on Final Score from 2001 until 2022. In August 2024, he ended his Premier League team of the week column on the BBC News website due to creative differences. In 1988, he became the first black chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association, giving up the role after retiring in 1990. In the 1999 Birthday Honours, he was appointed an OBE for services to the Institute of Professional Sport.

Did You Know?

• Crooks is frequently credited as the first black player to score in an FA Cup final for his equalising goal in a 3–2 win over Manchester City in 1981, though this was pre-dated by Mike Trebilcock in 1966.
• In 1979, he played in a benefit match for Len Cantello that saw a team of white players play against a team of black players.
• In 1992, Crooks was pranked in the 'Mr. Blobby' segment of Noel's House Party.