New book will feature the stories of seven Lincoln players
A forthcoming book about a legendary football scout will include the stories of seven players who became Imps in their careers.
Mark Crook ran a successful feeder team for Wolves in his native South Yorkshire between 1939-70.
During this astonishing reign he managed to unearth 114 players who would go on to play professional football.
Lincoln were one of the teams to benefit and seven of Crook's discoveries went on to play for the club.
They include Dick Neal, who made 169 appearances for the club, and Norman Corner and Joe Bonson who both went past 50 games in red and white.
Crook had actually played with Dick Neal's father at Blackpool and swiftly fast-tracked him into the game with Wolves but he actually established himself with Lincoln and then Birmingham City where he once came up against the mighty Barcelona.
Players were identified by Crook and then played for his side in Brampton, between Rotherham and Barnsley, before he sent them on to Molineux for further assessment.
Bonson was one such player and he played in the top-flight for Wolves before having a nomadic career but netting regularly.
Corner originated from the North East but that was a regular hunting spot for Crook who also found England World Cup winner Ron Flowers and FA Cup winning heroes George Robledo and Alan Sunderland as well as the Knowles brothers, Cyril and Peter.
The other Crook lads to play for Lincoln were Roger Barton, Don Watson, Peter Dunwell and Mike Commons.
Dick Neal's son Tim, Joe's son Richard and Mike have all been interviewed for a forthcoming book about Crook's story.
The book, called Feeding The Wolves, is being written by Barnsley Chronicle journalist, Ashley Ball.
You can pre-order a copy at the discounted rate by visiting: https://dondearneschoolfootball.wordpress.com/mark-crooks-wath-wolves/