Keeper Crocombe signs on for Brewers
Burton Albion’s search for at least one goalkeeper is over with the signing of New Zealand international Max Crocombe, who has just left Grimsby Town. Crocombe, 29, turned down a new deal with the League Two club, where he made a whopping 59 appearances last season as they enjoyed a strong run in the FA Cup, including beatng the Brewers.
He has signed a two-year deal with Burton and becomes manager Dino Maamria’s fifth signing of the summer window, just ahead of their first pre-season friendly, away to Nuneaton Borough on Saturday. Remarkably, he is another player who Maamria worked with a number of years ago.
“I’ve worked with Max before when I was at Southport when he was a young goalie. He show a huge potential back then and he’s gone on to be an international goalkeeper,” said Maamria. “He’s a great character as a human being and as a person. I think he fits in really well with what we’re trying to do as a club. “
Crocombe said: “I’m delighted to be here. I’ve worked with Dino Maamria before so that was a big factor, knowing how he wants to work. We had a good amount of success when we worked together so I’m really excited to be here.
Max Crocombe celebrates after Grimsby Town knocked Wrexham our of the National League play-offs in 2022. (Image: Press Association)
“You can tell there’s a lot of really good people at this club and you can tell that’s the heart and soul of the club. The last couple of years have gone really well for me and each year has been a progression, from National League to League Two and now League One. I’m excited to get going and prove my worth to the team.”
Crocombe moved to England at a young age and had a youth career with MK Dons and Luton Town before arriving at Oxford United via Buckingham Town. He made his debut in a 1-1 draw against the Brewers in January 2013. His six years with the U’s included loan spells with Banbury United, Nuneaton Town, Barnet and Southport.
He moved to Carlisle United in 2016 before moving on to Salford Cit, although he made only one appearance as they were promoted to the Football League in 2019. There followed spell in Australia with Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.
He returned to England for the 2021-22 season with Grimsby Town, making 30 appearances as they won the National League play-off final against Notts County, in which he was credited with an assist.
Capped at under-20 and under-23 level for New Zealand, he also has three senior caps, the last less than a fortnight ago in a 1-0 friendly win away against Qatar, so he clearly brings a lot of experience with him to the Brewers.
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