Dan Crowley was once tipped for stardom at Arsenal, but after a series of loans and transfers, he seemed to have lost his way.
Now at Notts County, Crowley has made a remarkable start to the season with three goals and four assists in just six games.
At 27, the midfielder is proving his talent in League Two, showing the kind of form that once made him a highly-rated prospect at Arsenal.
But how did he get here, and is this the beginning of his journey back up the football ladder?
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Dan Crowley of Notts County celebrates scoring to make it 2-0 during the Sky Bet League Two match between Notts County and Grimsby Town at Meadow Lane on August 22, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Dan Crowley was once regarded as one of the most exciting young talents to emerge from the Arsenal academy.
Having joined from Aston Villa in 2013 at the age of 15, his potential was quickly recognised by Arsène Wenger, who had personally scouted him. Wenger’s eagerness to bring Crowley to north London highlighted the high hopes surrounding the midfielder, whose creative flair, technical ability, and vision were widely praised.
Dan Crowley with Arsene Wenger (Photo via BeSoccer.com)
Crowley signed his first professional contract with Arsenal on his 17th birthday, and by 2015, he was selected to join the first-team squad on their pre-season tour of Singapore. With a bright future ahead, his next step was to gain experience through loan spells.
However, things did not go as planned.
His first loan spell came at Barnsley in 2015, where he made 13 appearances and scored a goal in the League Cup. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Barnsley’s manager, Lee Johnson, ended the loan early, despite Crowley being “the most talented 18-year-old” he’d ever seen, citing a need for the player to strike the right balance between confidence and humility.
Crowley then went to Oxford United in 2016, but this stint was also cut short after a lack of game time and reported tensions with the coaching staff. A more promising loan at Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles followed, where he began to rebuild his confidence with regular football.
In 2017, Crowley finally parted ways with Arsenal, signing for Eredivisie side Willem II. It marked a significant step in his career, giving him the opportunity to play regularly in a technical league that suited his style.
Over two stints with the Dutch club, including a loan to SC Cambuur, Crowley made 50 appearances in all competitions. His time in the Netherlands was interspersed with promising performances, but also occasional disciplinary issues and struggles for consistency.
Dan Crowley with the Go Ahead Eagles before he joined Willem II
In 2019, Crowley returned to England with Birmingham City, where he had moments of promise but again couldn’t fully establish himself as a consistent performer. A loan spell to Hull City in 2021 saw him play a role in their League One title-winning campaign, though Birmingham ultimately released him at the end of the season.
Cheltenham Town came calling in October 2021, offering Crowley a short-term contract, but by February 2022, he had returned to Willem II, signing an 18-month deal.
Despite these various moves, Crowley never managed to settle for long, and in 2023, he joined Morecambe.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Alfie Doughty of Charlton Athletic breaks away from Dan Crowley during the Sky Bet Championship match between Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic at St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium on July 15, 2020 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
His stay there was also short-lived, as the club’s relegation led to his release.
But it is at League Two side Notts County that Crowley has finally found some stability – and the kind of form that Arsenal once hoped he would produce.
Crowley’s start to the 2024-25 season with Notts County has been electric.
In just six games, he has contributed three goals and four assists, helping his team to the top of League Two. With four wins and two draws in their opening matches, Notts County are flying high, and Crowley has been at the heart of their success.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Dan Crowley of Notts County in action during the Sky Bet League Two match between Notts County and Grimsby Town at Meadow Lane on August 22, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
His tally of 19 goals and 15 assists in 56 appearances for the club is impressive, although it’s fair to note that this is the lowest level Crowley has played at in his career.
At 27, Crowley’s performances this season suggest that he may be ready for a return to a higher level of football in the near future. His technical ability, set-piece expertise, and eye for a pass have made him one of the standout players in League Two, and if his form continues, a move to a bigger club in a higher division seems inevitable.
Looking back at his Arsenal days, Crowley’s journey is one of potential unfulfilled in the Premier League but rediscovered at a lower level. After numerous moves and a somewhat nomadic career, he appears to have found his level at Notts County – for now.
Whether he can use this platform to launch himself back up the football pyramid remains to be seen, but he will be hoping to make the most of this opportunity.
