Sammy Crooks

Samuel Dickinson Crooks (16 January 1908 – 3 February 1981) was an English footballer who played as outside forward or outside right for Derby County in the mid-war era. He was one of the best-known footballers of the 1920s and 1930s and was capped 26 times by England.

Early life Crooks was born at Bearpark, County Durham, one of a family of 17 children. After leaving school, he worked in the coal-mines and played for the colliery team and then for Tow Law Town in his spare time until problems with rheumatism forced him to abandon his career underground. When his health was restored he joined Durham City in June 1926 and made 16 appearances for them in the Third Division (North).

Playing career Club career By April 1927, Crooks had been spotted by George Jobey He then became a regular fixture in the England side with 15 consecutive appearances, making 27 His final England appearance came in a 6–2 victory over Hungary on 2 December 1936,

Managerial career In December 1949, Crooks accepted his first managerial position at Retford Town, several months after resigning as Derby County's chief scout. Following that resignation, Crooks had expressed that if he was unable to secure a managerial position in England, he would pursue opportunities in the United States. During his tenure at Retford, he occasionally played for the team, including a match in April when he featured as a winger against Ilkeston. Crooks left the club at the expiration of his contract in May 1950, having led them to win the Yorkshire League, with just one loss in 23 games.

In May 1950 he became manager of Shrewsbury Town, who had been elected to the Football League Division Three North for the 1950–51 season. He remained with the Shropshire side until 1954, leaving due to his wife wishing to return to Derby and also due to his own business interests. until his sacking just six months later in November following a loss of confidence from the club's directors. He then returned to manage Gresley Rovers before becoming manager at Heanor Town. During this time he opened a sport clothing store in Derby.

After finishing in local team management he became Derby County's Chief Scout (until 1967) and also served for 14 years as Secretary of the Association Football Players Union.

His career has been marked by Durham City naming the upper lounge at New Ferens Park, 'The Sammy Crooks Lounge', which is home to some of the memorabilia from his playing career. Similarly, Belper Leisure Centre, situated in the town where he died, renamed the bar to 'The Sammy Crooks Suite'.

Career statistics