BBC · Jan 8, 2024
Matt Crooks: Middlesbrough forward on epilepsy and raising money in friend's memory
Matt Crooks is a popular figure at Middlesbrough, scoring some important and memorable goals since arrivingMiddlesbrough forward Matt Crooks has been on a journey during his career to get to Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Premier League side Chelsea.
Not just in terms of his literal journey, which has taken in such varied locations as Huddersfield, Halifax, Hartlepool, Accrington, Rangers, Scunthorpe, Northampton and Rotherham.
Away from the highly competitive, dog-eat-dog world of professional football, the 29-year-old has lived his adult life with epilepsy, lost a long-time footballing friend, and grown up in a family with deaf parents and other deaf relatives.