He was released by Crystal Palace at the end of the 2004--05 without playing for the first-team and joined Oldham Athletic on a non-contract basis in November 2005 to provide cover for an FA Cup tie against Chasetown in which he made a substitute appearance. He then joined Shrewsbury Town on non-contract terms in February 2006 to provide cover for regular goalkeeper Joe Hart. Cronin left Shrewsbury in April 2006, and after a trial with Grimsby Town, joined Gravesend and Northfleet (now Ebbsfleet United) to cover a long-term injury to regular goalkeeper Craig Holloway. After a good start to his first season at Ebbsfleet, Cronin was called up for the England National Game XI (now the England C team) squad for the first time in November 2006, and made his debut against Holland as a substitute nine minutes from time as England won the European Challenge Trophy.
Cronin
Craig Holloway