Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 02 November 1940

Football to lose a Star

One or the finest footballers to come from the Mexborough district, Eric Brook, has intimated to Manchester City F.C. that he is about to retire.

With 13 International matches to his credit, Brook, a speedy left winger has been one of football’s most outstanding players, during the past ten years.

His football career began at Wath and: he graduated from there to Barnsley and in 1928 he went to Manchester City.; An outstanding player at outside left., Brook was so versatile and energetic that for a long period he was first choice for England at outside left.

In addition to his 13 Internationals, the last of which he played against Scotland at Hampden Park, in April. 1939, he also played against half a dozen Continental, teams and combinations. He was first, capped in 1930. After being operated upon about two years ago for appendicitis it was expected that he would be out of the game for a long time, but he made a speedy recovery and within a matter of weeks was back again at his old position for: Manchester City , for whom he has played in 500 games.

In December last year he was, unfortunately, involved in a serious motor accident while on his way to play in a Red Cross International match at Newcastle, and he sustained a fractured skull. As a result of this mishap he was in hospital for some weeks and has played no football since, although he is now able, to follow his regular employment.

Eric has played in Yorkshire Council games in this district, and his football, record proves that South Yorkshire has produced some of England’s best footballers.

From You Tube:

Features Eric Brook and Sir Matt Busby