Chesterfield and National League rival are 'leading the race' to sign former Notts County midfielder

Crawford, 21, was released by the Magpies after their play-off final defeat to Harrogate Town at the weekend.

The Spireites and Hartlepool United are ‘leading the race for him’, with his former club Chester also keen, according to Cheshire Live.

The youngster joined County from Chester for an undisclosed fee in 2018.

During his time at Meadow Lane Crawford had a loan spell at AFC Fylde in 2019.

The England C international made two starts and eight appearances in total for Neal Ardley’s side last season, scoring once in a 2-0 win against Barrow.

Many County fans expressed their surprise on social media at his release.

@jonnybwana posted: “Releasing Crawford is madness, unless something else has gone on. Young, creative and must be a lowish earner - he should be the exact type of player we rebuild around.”

@eelsnikta: “Can't believe they let Crawford go. He came really good towards the lockdown, never stopped running.”

@CountyRoadPie: “The only question mark for me is Tom Crawford, well worth another year I would have thought!!”

@arniebats: “Disappointed with Crawford going.”

@Dazzler39: “Should gave kept Tom Crawford.”

@HUGHSEYERA: “Only player I’m sad to go is Crawford.”

@malone_msm: “Happy with that but Crawford was a surprise.”

@MuddyPatchPie: “Disappointed Crawford has gone.”

@elliott4sho: “Tom Crawford realeased! What’s that about!!”

@myfoodhunt: “Crawford was worth keeping.”

Meanwhile, former Chesterfield striker Kristian Dennis has been offered a new deal at Notts.