| Matt Crooks - An Insight 10:20 - Jun 29 with 3227 views | TomTheWriter |
Back in the first week of June, we were linked with Crooks in a 'speculative' rumour. Now, it looks to have picked up some speed. Signing Matt Crooks would be THE statement signing of the summer.
Seen a lot of comments surrounding Crooks, mainly just stating 'yes please' and 'get this done', but I like to look at the player we could be getting.
For me, his most exciting attribute isn't his versatility. It's not his goalscoring ability, his dribbling, or his passing range. The most exciting attribute for me, is his height. Not to win headers, but to be commanding.
Last season, opposition players probably felt they wouldn't have the ball as much in the midfield if Dozzell, Downes & Bishop played. However, if they went long, they'd dominate the midfield. We had a 5ft10 (AD), 5ft8 (FD), 5ft10 (TB) midfield. If Crooks joins, it becomes 6ft1 (LE), 6ft2 (RH), 6ft4 (MC). Exactly the same ability on the ball, but with added strength and height. Opposition know if they go long they probably wont win the first header. Then, we can play with the ball.
https://taleoftwofootballs.com/?p=674 |  |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:36 - Jun 29 with 3058 views | Skip_Intro |
Great article as usual - thank you.
Agree that he could be the 'x factor' enabling us to switch up our play - it would be great to have a marauding midfielder to get into the opposition box and stir things up. Been a long time since we had one of those... |  | | |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:38 - Jun 29 with 3068 views | Steve_M |
To add to which, my Rotherham-supporting mate says he's a really decent person too, plus his wife his really fit.
It would certainly be a good signing if we could get him, suspect it depends on what Championship interest there is. |  |
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| Sexist.....get out!!! (n/t) on 10:39 - Jun 29 with 3015 views | Bloots |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:38 - Jun 29 by Steve_M |
To add to which, my Rotherham-supporting mate says he's a really decent person too, plus his wife his really fit.
It would certainly be a good signing if we could get him, suspect it depends on what Championship interest there is. |
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| "Great to see you back on here mate, I was considering deactivating my account if you hadn’t returned" - TWTD User (Aug 2025) |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:42 - Jun 29 with 2992 views | TomTheWriter |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:36 - Jun 29 by Skip_Intro |
Great article as usual - thank you.
Agree that he could be the 'x factor' enabling us to switch up our play - it would be great to have a marauding midfielder to get into the opposition box and stir things up. Been a long time since we had one of those... |
Appreciate that, thank you.
There is just so many things to like about him. You can see why Cook is interested in him, because he can play four of Cooks role to perfection. His strongest position, for me, is the attacking midfield role, breaking late into the box. However, he has covered at striker on occasion for Rotherham, so that might put some thought into Cook's mind if he joins.
He'd be a very good box-to-box midfielder if Harper got a knock, because he has the defensive capabilities, and the engine to get up and down the field. He can even cover Evans if he gets a knock, because we know he can pass a ball well, and has the strength to win it back.
Not since Tommy Miller and one David Norris season have we seen a midfielder break the lines like Sammie Szmodics, Matthew Lund and Taylor Richards did this season. | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:44 - Jun 29 with 2964 views | Skip_Intro |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:38 - Jun 29 by Steve_M |
To add to which, my Rotherham-supporting mate says he's a really decent person too, plus his wife his really fit.
It would certainly be a good signing if we could get him, suspect it depends on what Championship interest there is. |
If she's fit enough to bomb up and down the left flank for 90 mins sign her up... | | | |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:45 - Jun 29 with 2951 views | TomTheWriter |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:38 - Jun 29 by Steve_M |
To add to which, my Rotherham-supporting mate says he's a really decent person too, plus his wife his really fit.
It would certainly be a good signing if we could get him, suspect it depends on what Championship interest there is. |
I'll skip the wife part!
I digress, the only swaying factor in this would be the Championship. I feel like we have the advantage over staying at Rotherham, just because of the 'project' being built. Being the face of the new era would tempt any L1 player over to us.
It does feel like, if one Championship team comes in for him then it would be very hard to sway back over to our side. Currently, we are quite fortunate that Derby are the only side showing strong interest. Even though they are in a higher division, the uncertainty surrounding the club would sway a deal in our favour.
Let's hope Ashton and Cook can work there magic, we've already seen record sale in the home shirt, this could send that sky-high if Crooks comes in. | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:52 - Jun 29 with 2874 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:45 - Jun 29 by TomTheWriter |
I'll skip the wife part!
I digress, the only swaying factor in this would be the Championship. I feel like we have the advantage over staying at Rotherham, just because of the 'project' being built. Being the face of the new era would tempt any L1 player over to us.
It does feel like, if one Championship team comes in for him then it would be very hard to sway back over to our side. Currently, we are quite fortunate that Derby are the only side showing strong interest. Even though they are in a higher division, the uncertainty surrounding the club would sway a deal in our favour.
Let's hope Ashton and Cook can work there magic, we've already seen record sale in the home shirt, this could send that sky-high if Crooks comes in. |
Outside the top end Championship clubs, I'm not sure too many have circa £1m swilling about for transfer fees this summer. Whereas we seem to have cash on the hip and are willing to pay lower half Championship wages. Rotherham are also in financial bother, I cannot see him staying there. |  | | |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:53 - Jun 29 with 2858 views | galacticoblue |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:38 - Jun 29 by Steve_M |
To add to which, my Rotherham-supporting mate says he's a really decent person too, plus his wife his really fit.
It would certainly be a good signing if we could get him, suspect it depends on what Championship interest there is. |
…. sign him - cause he has a fit wife.
Love it - post of the day 😂 | | | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:56 - Jun 29 with 2831 views | Dyland |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:38 - Jun 29 by Steve_M |
To add to which, my Rotherham-supporting mate says he's a really decent person too, plus his wife his really fit.
It would certainly be a good signing if we could get him, suspect it depends on what Championship interest there is. |
This post stands out cos it's slightly out of character, and I love to be surprised :) |  |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:56 - Jun 29 with 2831 views | hadleighboyblue |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:44 - Jun 29 by Skip_Intro |
If she's fit enough to bomb up and down the left flank for 90 mins sign her up... |
what a boost to the nursing profession she would be , guaranteed to get the pulses racing ....a double boost for Ipswich | | | |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:00 - Jun 29 with 2783 views | Steve_M |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:45 - Jun 29 by TomTheWriter |
I'll skip the wife part!
I digress, the only swaying factor in this would be the Championship. I feel like we have the advantage over staying at Rotherham, just because of the 'project' being built. Being the face of the new era would tempt any L1 player over to us.
It does feel like, if one Championship team comes in for him then it would be very hard to sway back over to our side. Currently, we are quite fortunate that Derby are the only side showing strong interest. Even though they are in a higher division, the uncertainty surrounding the club would sway a deal in our favour.
Let's hope Ashton and Cook can work there magic, we've already seen record sale in the home shirt, this could send that sky-high if Crooks comes in. |
Yes, I think there's definitely a higher ceiling here than Rotherham who might just be a bit stuck after successive promotions and relegations, it all runs out of steam eventually.
Crooks would certainly be the sort of statement signing we've heard hints of since the takeover. | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:11 - Jun 29 with 2669 views | WeWereZombies |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:56 - Jun 29 by Dyland |
This post stands out cos it's slightly out of character, and I love to be surprised :) |
But is it a typo or a clue to something else? ('plus his wife his really fit') Could be a crying game for some on here.... |  |
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| In the interests of research..... on 11:17 - Jun 29 with 2625 views | Bloots |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:56 - Jun 29 by Dyland |
This post stands out cos it's slightly out of character, and I love to be surprised :) |
....I've checked her out.
Not bad, bit skinny for my liking, 7.5/10. | |
| "Great to see you back on here mate, I was considering deactivating my account if you hadn’t returned" - TWTD User (Aug 2025) |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:23 - Jun 29 with 2586 views | TomTheWriter |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:52 - Jun 29 by tractorboy1978 |
Outside the top end Championship clubs, I'm not sure too many have circa £1m swilling about for transfer fees this summer. Whereas we seem to have cash on the hip and are willing to pay lower half Championship wages. Rotherham are also in financial bother, I cannot see him staying there. |
Do think Rotherham see Crooks and Matt Smith as their 'cash cows', knowing they'll get good money for them. Obvious ones are Nottingham Forest and Stoke, who have held interest before. Surprised Birmingham haven't been credited with interest, would fit right in with them.
Coventry would have money if they sell Gustavo Hamer, seen he's had interest up to around £5million. Peterborough always pay decent fees, maybe they'll jump on him.
As you said, we are trying to be competitive, showing ambition and trying to sell the project. Think Ashton and Cook will want this done ASAP, because this is the signing to make others want to join. | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:28 - Jun 29 with 2526 views | TomTheWriter |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:00 - Jun 29 by Steve_M |
Yes, I think there's definitely a higher ceiling here than Rotherham who might just be a bit stuck after successive promotions and relegations, it all runs out of steam eventually.
Crooks would certainly be the sort of statement signing we've heard hints of since the takeover. |
Rotherham are finding themselves in the same position that Wigan did when Paul Cook took over. if memory serves me well, they had back-to-back-to-back relegation, promotion and then relegation again. Cook came in, let a decent amount go, filled the gaps and sent them back up the the Championship.
Kind of feels like the same with Rotherham. They have an okay Championship manager in Paul Warne, and seem to always find a way out of L1, but don't survive in the Championship. Crooks would have seen Cook's past accomplishments, how he hasn't finished lower in a season since he took over at Chesterfield in 2012. | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:31 - Jun 29 with 2500 views | tractorboy1978 |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:23 - Jun 29 by TomTheWriter |
Do think Rotherham see Crooks and Matt Smith as their 'cash cows', knowing they'll get good money for them. Obvious ones are Nottingham Forest and Stoke, who have held interest before. Surprised Birmingham haven't been credited with interest, would fit right in with them.
Coventry would have money if they sell Gustavo Hamer, seen he's had interest up to around £5million. Peterborough always pay decent fees, maybe they'll jump on him.
As you said, we are trying to be competitive, showing ambition and trying to sell the project. Think Ashton and Cook will want this done ASAP, because this is the signing to make others want to join. |
There may also be an element on the reverse re your final paragraph. Crooks wants to see the calibre of player we are bringing in before committing. | | | |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:31 - Jun 29 with 2497 views | Dyland |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:11 - Jun 29 by WeWereZombies |
But is it a typo or a clue to something else? ('plus his wife his really fit') Could be a crying game for some on here.... |
ha :) | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:33 - Jun 29 with 2486 views | Steve_M |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 10:56 - Jun 29 by Dyland |
This post stands out cos it's slightly out of character, and I love to be surprised :) |
I'm quoting my mate.... | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:38 - Jun 29 with 2443 views | Dyland |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:33 - Jun 29 by Steve_M |
I'm quoting my mate.... |
That's a double surprise... you have a friend...
;) :) gmpf etc. | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:40 - Jun 29 with 2432 views | LeoMuff |
Just can’t see this one happening, surely out of our league |  |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:47 - Jun 29 with 2383 views | TomTheWriter |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:31 - Jun 29 by tractorboy1978 |
There may also be an element on the reverse re your final paragraph. Crooks wants to see the calibre of player we are bringing in before committing. |
Think that could be exact stand-off. Crooks might be wanting to see who we bring in first, while Cook wants to bring Crooks in to get better players to join. Have to wonder who will budge first. | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:48 - Jun 29 with 2368 views | Steve_M |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:28 - Jun 29 by TomTheWriter |
Rotherham are finding themselves in the same position that Wigan did when Paul Cook took over. if memory serves me well, they had back-to-back-to-back relegation, promotion and then relegation again. Cook came in, let a decent amount go, filled the gaps and sent them back up the the Championship.
Kind of feels like the same with Rotherham. They have an okay Championship manager in Paul Warne, and seem to always find a way out of L1, but don't survive in the Championship. Crooks would have seen Cook's past accomplishments, how he hasn't finished lower in a season since he took over at Chesterfield in 2012. |
I think Rotherham have done five successive changes of division since relegation from the Championship in 16/17. It's better than being a League 1 side but I'm sure they would rather be able to stay in the Championship for a few years at a time.
The really good thing about the takeover for us is that there was a strong likelihood that that lower-Championship - upper-League 1 range was our new environment too. | |
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| Literally in our league. (n/t) on 11:49 - Jun 29 with 2343 views | Bloots |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:40 - Jun 29 by LeoMuff |
Just can’t see this one happening, surely out of our league |
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| "Great to see you back on here mate, I was considering deactivating my account if you hadn’t returned" - TWTD User (Aug 2025) |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:51 - Jun 29 with 2334 views | TomTheWriter |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:40 - Jun 29 by LeoMuff |
Just can’t see this one happening, surely out of our league |
I think, as of this very second, Sonny Bradley was the most 'ambitious' attempt at a signing this summer. Trying to convince someone to drop down a league, from a side he was the captain off.
I think Matt Crooks will be the most 'impressive' signing because you're trying to get someone to jump across rather than jump up. We know he is a Championship level player, I mentioned on Twitter that as soon as one Championship side, that aren't in financial danger, come in for him then it will be all over.
I'd like Ashton to be dealing with the Crooks signing for the new week or two, however long it takes, and have Cook go out and identify the CB and LW that he needs. Still need to be fairly active this summer. Need at least 4 more players, one of which is Penney, potential rising to 7 depending on the future of Bishop, Downes, Jackson, Kenlock. | |
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| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:56 - Jun 29 with 2293 views | TomTheWriter |
| Matt Crooks - An Insight on 11:48 - Jun 29 by Steve_M |
I think Rotherham have done five successive changes of division since relegation from the Championship in 16/17. It's better than being a League 1 side but I'm sure they would rather be able to stay in the Championship for a few years at a time.
The really good thing about the takeover for us is that there was a strong likelihood that that lower-Championship - upper-League 1 range was our new environment too. |
Rotherham are one of those sides that are too good for League One, but not good enough for the Championship. Similar to how Norwich were too good for the Championship, but not good enough for the Premier League. Sadly, I expect that to change this season, and they just about survive.
I know it might sound cliche, but I do think it is about the style of football as well. Coventry, Rotherham, Wycombe got promoted from L1 2 years back. Coventry played free-flowing, 3-5-2, attacking wing-backs, passing football. They stayed up. Rotherham and Wycombe hoof it forward, no build up, awful viewing. Worked in L1, didn't in the Championship.
Think, in Cook's ideal world, he'll take a similar path that Wigan took under him. Dominate the league first year, survive the Championship next season, then start progressing up the table. | |
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