Authors donate £5,000 earned from book exploring the history of a legendary South Yorkshire football scout
All 800 original copies are gone, but more are on the way
More than £5,000 raised from a book about a celebrated football scout has now been split between two worthy causes.
Mark Crook’s pioneering feeder team in South Yorkshire supplied Wolves with a host of players across almost four decades.
A book detailing his achievements, Feeding The Wolves, written by Ashley Ball and Chris Brook told the story of his remarkable achievements which saw Mark identify the talents of the likes of Roy Swinbourne, Ron Flowers, Steve Daley and Alan Sunderland.
The book has raised £5,076 and that has been divided between the Wolves Foundation, who were the headline sponsor of the book, and Brampton United FC who play on the same pitches that Crook’s boys did.
Cheques have now been passed on by Ashley and Chris.
Ashley said: “It was an honour to go back to Molineux and hand over a cheque that we know is going to go to incredible projects in the Wolverhampton area.
“Even to myself and Chris, as outsiders from Yorkshire, it’s very clear that Wolves Foundation has a huge impact in the region and all their projects are cherished, needed and well-attended.
“Brampton United are providing a safe and welcoming environment for youngsters to learn the game and are valuable in their own community.”
Three of Mark’s former players, Daley and Bob Hatton and Gerry Taylor attended the handover at Molineux alongside Ron’s widow, Yvonne and his grandson, Harry.
“As soon as Chris and Ashley approached us with details of the book about Wath Wanderers, we were delighted to show our support by becoming main sponsor” says Kieron Ansell, Head of Business Development at Wolves Foundation.
“Not only has Feeding the Wolves raised a fantastic amount to support the work of Wolves Foundation, it is also such a valuable piece of work in documenting a key part of the club’s history in terms of the players who were scouted by Mark Crook.
“As such, it was fitting that former Wath Wanderers and Wolves stars Steve Daley, Gerry Taylor and Bob Hatton were able to come to the presentation, along with Yvonne and Harry Flowers, widow and grandson of the legendary Ron Flowers.
“We just want to say another heartfelt thank you to Chris and Ashley for putting so much care and work into a brilliant publication, and everyone else connected with the project who has helped it become so successful.”
Jane Whitlam, the granddaughter of Mark, was at the Brampton event alongside club chairman Adam Hardware.
Adam said: “It was great to welcome Ashley and Chris back to the club and accept a big total from their sales.
“The money will be put to good use and help us to provide a safe and encouraging place for them to develop their skills.
“We appreciate and love the history we have here and it’s amazing how so many great players have played on the same pitches as our youngsters.
“It’s not about making the next superstar here necessarily. We want kids to enjoy their football and for Brampton United to be a big part of our community.”
Books can be ordered online here.