Theo Crawford will depart Hanworth Villa after a memorable four years at the club. We thank him for his contributions and he will be dearly missed.
The 35-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role during our 2021-22 invincibles season when we clinched the Combined Counties Premier League North title.
Formerly Guildford City’s captain, Crawford made his Villa debut on August 7, 2021, and went on to make 124 appearances while contributing four goals.
Crawford was the fourth-longest serving player at the club, behind Sam Merson, Bruno Robertson-Tingle and Guy Ansah-Palmer. He leaves as one of the most-loved players in the dressing room.
Manager Simon Haughney had only praise for Crawford, labelling him as “one of the top five signings” he’s ever made as a manager.
“I just want to wish Theo all the best in his ventures. I really respect him and he’s always welcome back,” said Haughney.
“You’re a club legend, a fantastic person and I’ll always be your friend. You’ll always be loved at Hanworth Villa.”
Crawford said: “Hanworth Villa will always be my favourite club. I’m gutted that it’s got to this stage, but I thank everybody at the club that’s done anything for me.
“Honestly a top, top tier football club to play for and it’s been a pleasure winning stuff and getting to the play-offs with them. I’ve had many beautiful times.
“It’s been a home for me over the past four years, not just for me but for my wife and little boy. I’ve got friends for life through playing for this club.”
In November 2024, after a comeback 3-2 win away at Moneyfields, Haughney along with a number of players rushed down to attend Crawford’s wedding.
Haughney said: “I don’t turn up to players’ weddings really but because Theo has been such a stalwart, and he’s a great dad and family man as well with a bright future ahead of him.
“He leads by example when he’s on the pitch. He had 14 red cards before he joined us. When I signed him, I said, ‘look, Theo, I can’t have you getting sent off.’
“He didn’t get sent off once in four and a half years for us. From having a bad boy reputation, he was basically a saint since he’s come to us.”
While he was a defensive midfielder, Crawford had a knack for scoring important goals.
One of his four for the club came in a 1-0 away win over Basingstoke Town during the 2022-23 season, which ended their 15-game winning streak.
Haughney added: “No one gave us a prayer that game. There was more than a thousand people there and Theo put it into the top corner. That would probably be my most memorable moment of Theo.”
For Crawford, his favourite memory was simply being part of the 2021-22 team that were promoted to Step 4 as unbeaten champions.
He said: “It’s got to be the invincibles year, without a doubt. Not many teams can do what we done that year I’ve also had quite a lot of good memories here.
“When we played Littlehampton in the Cup and their fans were kicking off after we scored a winner, my winning goals against Basingstoke in front of a lot of fans and the play-off final that we lost against Walton.
“It was a really big moment for us, with a lot of families and friends out there supporting us. I’ve enjoyed every bit of time at Hanworth Villa. I have no bad things to say and I love them all.”
Club director Dave Brown said: “He was the heart of the midfield and the strength when we needed it. I’m upset that he’s going but he’s grown up a lot since being at the club.
“His wife and child always have come and watched us so it’s nice to have that connection with him. He’s made lots of friends amongst the team and with the spectators. He was quite a favourite of some.
“He always stood up for the club on and off the pitch. I’m getting a little bit emotional talking about it, and it’s unusual with so many players coming and going.
“I’m sad to see him go but I’m pleased that he’s found his way in life, settled down, gotten married and he’s got a nice family.”
On his future plans, Crawford said he will wait for the right opportunity amid interest from several teams in the division.
“I’m at an age where football isn’t so important to me anymore,” he said.
“I’m 35 now and it has to make sense of me missing out on my family and work. When I was younger, football was my everything but now I have a little family.
“But if I don’t play football, I’m gonna sit down and get fat. So I can’t be getting bored and fat.”
Crawford expressed his adoration for the club with a final message.
He said: “Thank you to Simon, Chris and Paul, they’re not just my managers but they are my friends for life.
“Simon has done a lot for me to change my life around and I’ve met many teammates and fans. They are now my friends for life.
“I’ll still talk to the players and management so you’ll see me at the ground sooner or later. I’ll always be a Villain.”
