William (Billy) Crook was born in Cannock on 7th June 1926. A wing-half, he signed by Ted Vizard, the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 1945. He joined a team that included Johnny Hancocks, Dennis Westcott, Jesse Pye, Jimmy Dunn, Jimmy Mullen, Sammy Smythe, Roy Pritchard, Billy Wright, Bert Williams, Bill Shorthouse and Terry Springthorpe.

Despite taking Wolves to third place in the 1946-47 season Ted Vizard was replaced by his assistant Stan Cullis in June 1948. The following year Cullis led Wolves to the FA Cup final against Leicester City. Wolves won the game 3-1 with Jesse Pye scoring two goals in the first-half and Sammy Smythe netting another in the 68th minute.

The following season Wolves finished in 2nd place in the First Division. Wolves finished 3rd in 1952-53 and won the title in 1953-54 season with Johnny Hancocks as the club's top scorer.

Crook joined Walsall in October 1954. He had scored 2 goals in 196 appearances for Wolves. Crook retired from football at the end of the 1954-55 season.