A Tribute to ‘Norm’

Current Latics number 1 Mark Crossley is celebrating two decades in the game and Latics World is offering fans the chance to see a trip down memory lane with the big man.

Vital Oldham have decided to pay a tribute to him also, as the former Forest man has given Latics fans many cult interviews such as the classic ‘my body is a temple’.

1987/2000 – Norm starts his football career as a trainee at Nottingham Forest. In his time at the club, Crossley became a fans favourite and enjoyed just under 400 appearances.

Crossley will always be remembered as an expert penalty stopper. The Welsh man not only saved a penlaty in an FA Cup final from Gary Linkear, but remains the only keeper to ever save a Matt Le-Tissier penalty.

In his time at Forest, Norm was loaned out to Manchester United and Millwall. The loveable keeper was granted a testomonial match in front of 15000 fans.

In a bid to reduce the wage bill, Norm was released against his will from Forest as he failed to steal the number 1 jersey off Dave Beasant. He left the club and joined Middlesbrough.

2000/2003 – in his 3 year spell at Middlesbrough Norm made 23 appearances; failing to establish him as number one. In the final year of his spell, Crossley was loaned out to Stoke.

2003/2007 – Fulham purchased Crossley for £500,000 off Middlesbrough. For the majority of his time at the club, Crossley was number 2 but due to the sale of Van Der Sar in 2005/06 season, Crossley played a hanful of first team games. In his final year at Fulham, Norm joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan, impressing and even scoring for Brian Law’s men.

2007/present – arguebaly the finest moment of his career, Norm joined Latics on a free transfer. He continues to divide the fans opinions; one minute making a dramatic late save and another missing a cross. He remains number 1 at Latics despite the signing of hot-shot-scot Greg Fleming from Gretna.

International
Crossley was a regular in the Wales squad but was often the understudy for both Neville Southall and Paul Jones. He did however make 8 first team starts and could always be called on for a safe pair of hands.

Congratulations to Norm and lets hope there’s a few more saves left in you!


To watch the interview with Norm, sign up to Latics World via the official site (link below)

NORM