New book on Wolves will chronicle work of unsung club scout
A journalist is writing a book on a legendary Wolves scout who discovered the likes of Ron Flowers, Roy Swinbourne and Steve Daley amongst others.
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The book, 'Feeding The Wolves: The story of Mark Crook and the Wath Wanderers,' is being penned by Barnsley Chronicle journalist Ashley Ball.
A former Wolves player under Major Buckley, Mr Crook set up Wath Wanderers/Wolves Juniors in Brampton, South Yorkshire just prior to the start of the Second World War and it sent many players to Molineux who established themselves in the first team including Ron Flowers, Roy Swinbourne and Steve Daley.
A blue plaque in honour of Mr Crook is going to be placed on the Cortonwood Miners’ Welfare building on Knollbeck Lane, Brampton, on Friday at 2pm.
The plaque was instigated by South Yorkshire football historian and Ashley's friend Chris Brook and was made in Wolverhampton by Lumley Designs.
Chris said: “The blue plaque is a great and a fully deserved tribute to Mark and his remarkable achievements.
“He found more than 100 professional footballers with Wolves, having the first pick of the cream of the crop.
“They certainly benefited from his operation for almost four decades picking up the likes of Ron Flowers, Roy Swinbourne, Alan Sunderland, Steve Daley, Gerry Taylor and many others.
“It was expertly made in Wolverhampton by Lumley Designs and we think it’s quite poetic that something has finally come in the other direction to South Yorkshire.”
Steve Daley and Gerry Taylor recently visited the Wolves Museum at Molineux to inspect the plaque, which has now been transported to Brampton where they, and other players discovered by Mr Crook will be present on Friday.
On the book, which will be launched later in the year, Ashley said: “It’s an honour to be entrusted with ensuring the story of Mark and Wath Wanderers is not lost to the sands of time.
“Some of the players whose careers Mark helped have kindly contributed to the book and have given warm and illuminating stories about their time at Wath.
“It was great to catch up with Steve, Gerry and Bob Hatton again at the Wolves Museum. They remain thankful to Mark for putting them on a path as teenagers.
“He helped so many players into the professional game with an idea decades ahead of its time and the book intends to tell the whole story.
"I am hopeful it will be of huge interest to Wolves supporters.”
The book’s profits will be split between the Wolves Foundation and Brampton United JFC who now play on the same pitches as the former players who were discovered there.
It can be pre-ordered for £12 by visiting: https://dondearneschoolfootball.wordpress.com/order-a-feeding-the-wolves-book/
People interested in the project or who have memories of Mark or his former players can email: brookchris@talk21.com
