National League side Altrincham FC have announced the signing of Tom Crawford from fellow National League side Hartlepool United.
The 25-year-old midfielder joins Altrincham following his departure from Hartlepool, which was announced as part of the club’s 2023/24 retained list.
Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson expressed his excitement about the signing:
“Tom is a player I have greatly admired for several seasons, so when the opportunity arose to sign him, I didn’t hesitate. He will complement and enhance our midfield.
“He was a top performer last season, topping all the statistics charts, so we have a top player on our hands. I can’t wait to see him turn out in red and white. He will be a pleasure to watch, a true professional, and I’m sure the Alty fans will agree with me that we’ve got a top player joining us.”
Crawford’s Career
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 while also spending time on loan with Sutton Coldfield, Runcorn Town, and Leek Town. In 2018, he signed for Notts County, where he made 18 appearances and had a loan stint at Fylde.
In 2020, Crawford moved to Hartlepool, where he spent four years and played a key role in the team’s promotion to League Two. He made over 120 appearances for Hartlepool before departing this summer to join Alty.
Last Season’s Numbers.
Last season, Crawford made 41 appearances for Hartlepool as a central midfielder, scoring five goals and providing two assists. He demonstrated his precision with an 83% pass accuracy and a 54% long ball accuracy, showcasing his careful ball handling and effective distribution.
Crawford also completed 70% of his dribbles, proving his ability to drive the team forward both through ball carrying and distribution. His impressive game reading was evident with an average of 9.7 recoveries and 4.3 interceptions per game.
Where Does Crawford Fit?
Crawford is a versatile midfielder capable of playing both in a two-man pivot and as an attacking midfielder. His goal-scoring ability from midfield is particularly valuable, especially following the recent departure of Chris Conn-Clarke. While he would likely fit best in the two-man pivot that Altrincham often deploys, he also has the flexibility to play further forward if needed.
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