From unexpected first-choice keeper to scoring dramatic late equalisers
In short: Mark Crossley’s career was defined by unexpected turns. After being thrust into the Nottingham Forest first team due to illness and transfers, he went on to become a Welsh international and a cult figure, famously saving a penalty from Gary Lineker and even scoring a late equaliser in his 481st career match.
Born in Barnsley on 16 June 1969, Crossley’s professional journey began as a trainee at Nottingham Forest in 1987. His rise to prominence was accelerated by a series of coincidences: following the transfers of Hans Segers and Paul Crichton, and the illness of Steve Sutton, Crossley was thrust into the first team during the 1988–89 season. This unexpected opportunity led to significant victories against Liverpool and Newcastle United.
During his thirteen-year tenure at Forest, Crossley became a mainstay, making over 300 appearances. His career was marked by both brilliance and unique historical footnotes. After stopping a Gary Lineker penalty during the 1991 FA Cup Final against Tottenham Hotspur, he also became the first player to score an own goal in the Premier League, occurring during a 4–1 loss to Blackburn Rovers on 5 September 1992. His popularity was so immense that manager Brian Clough affectionately nicknamed him 'shithouse'.
Crossley's international career involved a notable shift in allegiance; after playing for the England U21 team in 1990, he qualified for Wales through his grandfather. He earned eight full international caps between 1997 and 2004, most notably during a 4–0 victory over Scotland. After retiring from playing in 2011, he transitioned into coaching, serving at clubs including Chesterfield, Sheffield Wednesday, and Notts County, and even held caretaker manager roles at Chesterfield in 2012 and Notts County in 2018.
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