National League side Altrincham FC have announced the signing of Tom Crawford from fellow National League side Hartlepool Utd.
The 25-year-old midfielder joins the club following his departure from Hartlepool, which was announced as part of the club’s 2023/24 retained list.
Upon confirmation of the signing, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson stated:
“Tom is a player I have greatly admired for a number of seasons, so when the opportunity arose to sign him, I did not hesitate. He will complement and enhance our midfield”.
“He was a top performer last season, topping all the statistics charts, so we have got a top player on our hands, one I can’t wait to see turning out in the red and white. He will be a pleasure to watch, a true professional, and I’m sure the Alty will agree with me that we’ve got a top player joining us.”
Crawford’s Career So Far
Crawford’s career began in 2017 when he broke through the ranks at Chester into the first team. He made several appearances for the club whilst also spending time out on loan with Sutton Coldfield, Runcorn Town and Leek Town before signing for Notts County in 2018. He stayed at Notts County until 2020, making 18 appearances for the club with a loan move to Fylde in between.
Crawford’s next career move would be Hartlepool in 2020, where he spent four years, winning promotion to League Two with the side. He made over 120 appearances for the club before departing this summer and making the move to Alty.
Last Season’s Numbers.
Last season Crawford made 41 appearances for Hartlepool, where he was deployed as a central midfielder, scoring five times and assisting twice. He managed to accumulate an 83% pass accuracy, as well as a 54% long ball accuracy, showing his care for the ball when in possession and ability to make good use of his distribution.
He also managed to complete 70% of his dribbles last season, showing he can drive a team forward with his ball carrying, progressing with the ball at his feet and not just through his distribution of the ball. Crawford also showed of impressive reading of the game, averaging 9.7 recoveries per game as well as 4.3 interceptions.
Where Does Crawford Fit?
Crawford is a versatile midfielder who can play in a two man pivot as well as in attacking midfield. His ability to score goals from midfield is an important trait to have given the recent departure of Chris Conn-Clarke, I feel he would fit best in the two man pivot Altrincham often deploy, but if need be he can also play further forward.