12 Facts About Garth Crooks

Garth Crooks played from 1976 to 1990, for Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic.

Garth Crooks progressed through the youth ranks at Stoke City signing professional contract forms in March 1976.

Garth Crooks made his debut in April at home to Coventry City becoming the first black player to play for Stoke since Roy Brown in the 1940s.

Garth Crooks was no exception, but his "cocky arrogance" meant it did little to affect him.

Garth Crooks was restored to his striker role with the season coming to an end which saw Stoke gain promotion by beating Notts County on the final day of the season.

Garth Crooks scored on his debut against Nottingham Forest, and formed a successful striking partnership with Steve Archibald.

Garth Crooks 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.

Garth Crooks represented England at international level, making four appearances for the England under-21s, for whom he scored three goals.

Garth Crooks first worked in the media as a guest presenter on 25 March 1982's Top of the Pops on BBC1, before working as a match analyst at the 1982 and 1990 World Cups.

Garth Crooks later worked as a Match of the Days reporter at the England camp at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.

Garth Crooks appeared regularly as a pundit on Final Score from its first series in 2001 until 2022, and on rare occasions on Match of the Day as a replacement for regular pundits and interviewing players for Football Focus.

In 1988, Garth Crooks became the first black chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association but gave up the role after retiring in 1990.