Two years later, he backed his old friend Jack Ashley, Lord Ashley of Stoke, against the government's effort to cut benefits under the welfare reform and pensions bill.
Of course we were enchanted by his achievement in winning the world darts title in Stoke against England's pride and joy: "Gentleman" John Lowe.
Stoke against Southampton has the potential to be a low scoring affair, with Saints boasting the second best defensive record in Europe's top five leagues, having shipped just three goals all season, while Stoke have netted only twice in four games at home.
The opening goal came for Stoke against the run of play four minutes after the break, when Oussama Assaidi fired home from 20 yards out.
Crouch scored the last winning goal for Stoke against Wolves back in April and this victory was rarely in doubt against a Swansea side almost unrecognisable from the team which started the season with such purpose and guile.
His equaliser for Stoke against Sunderland was struck with his right foot, but he had another shot brilliantly saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon with his favoured left foot.
