Crookes began his career with St. Helen's and Navenby, before signing for Nottingham Forest at the age of eight. He captained Forest's under-18 team to the Professional Development U18 League 2 title and the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup in the 2015–16 season. In an interview with the Nottingham Post in November 2017, he said that "I thought I've been playing quite strongly and hopefully I can push on, and maybe the gaffer is going to have a look at me. If not, I'll look to go on loan." He moved on loan to struggling National League side Guiseley the following month. He made his senior debut on 20 December, in a 2–1 defeat at Gateshead in the FA Trophy. He made his league debut at Nethermoor Park three days later in a 1–1 draw with Aldershot Town. Having established himself in the first-team for Paul Cox's "Lions", the loan was later extended until the end of the 2017–18 season. However he was recalled by Forest manager Aitor Karanka in March 2018, after making 16 appearances. He moved on loan to his hometown club, Lincoln City, in August 2018, after impressing manager Danny Cowley on trial. He made his debut in the EFL Cup on 28 August, as the "Imps" fell to a 4–1 defeat at Championship side Blackburn Rovers. However he failed to break into the first-team for the League Two leaders and was recalled to the City Ground in January 2019, having made only four further EFL Trophy appearances at Sincil Bank.
Port Vale
On 14 January 2019, Crookes joined struggling League Two side Port Vale on loan for the remainder of the 2018–19 season. Manager Neil Aspin state that "A natural left-footer in the defence is something we've not had and he'll compete for a place". He made his debut in the English Football League in a 1–0 win at Crawley Town on 19 January. He maintained his first-team place under new manager John Askey, impressing both playing on the left of a back three and at left-back in a back four. Assistant manager Dave Kevan said that Crookes had good character and that the management team would monitor his availability in the summer. Crookes was released by Nottingham Forest on 13 May 2019, though his agent Phil Sproson revealed that he had received contract offers from Vale and another, unnamed club. He signed a two-year deal with Port Vale on 31 May. He began the 2019–20 season playing at left-back and said that he had been studying Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson to improve his performance in the role. He maintained his first-team place until a "freakish training accident" saw him sidelined in late-October. He returned to training after a four-month layoff, but was unable to add to his 17 starts before the season was ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England.
Playing style
Crookes has been described as "a left-sided defender equally comfortable playing left-sided centre back or at left back can also play as a defensive midfielder if required".
Career statistics
Honours
;Nottingham Forest U18
Professional Development League 2 champion: 2015–16
