sentences:  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).