Feeding the Wolves – The story of Mark Crook and Wath Wanderers

A pioneering football academy was set up by Mark Crook in the late 1930s in a small village at the heart of the South Yorkshire coalfield.

Across more than 30 years, Wath Wanderers produced in excess of 110 elite players for 80-plus Football League clubs, mainly Crook's beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers. These players include Roy Swinbourne, Ron Flowers, Cyril Knowles, Alan Sunderland and Steve Daley.

Researcher Chris Brook and local journalist Ashley Ball tell the tale of a remarkable person and the huge impact he had on young footballers, many of whom had been destined for a life 'down the pit' until he changed their lives.

This book reveals the origins and legacy of Crook's feeder team idea from those who were there and whose careers benefited from the master talent spotter.

Proceeds from this book will go to Brampton united FC and the Wolverhampton Wanderers foundation. Published in 2025.

Size: 209mm x 297mm – 178 pages.