Does anybody remember what’s-his-name? The hotshot Bradford football marksman or the tenacious full-back, stars of schoolboy football in the district back in the 1970s and 80s?

Two football fans with a passion for the game at youth level are desperately seeking the pair, former schoolboy greats from Bradford who failed to make the grade as youth players at Manchester United.

Management consultant Tony Park and financial adviser Steve Hobin want to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of David Jackson and Tony Gill.

They are writing a book which they intend to publish later this year telling the story of 500 men who tried and failed to make the big time as professional footballers.

Each one played at least at youth team level and some appeared in a few senior games, but their Man Utd careers ended before they really began – some through injury, while others were simply released.

The authors have contacted 470 former players but the trail has gone cold on the final 30, including two of Bradford’s finest nearly-men.

Mr Park, 47, of Stockport, said: “It’s been an amazing experience so far. Some have gone on to become millionaires, others have taken their own lives – a real mixture of experiences.

“Some have turned out to be in the most weird and wonderful places who have been easy to find because not many people share their names, and Facebook helps.

“But for these last 30 their names are more common and no-one seems to know anything about what happened to them.”

The book chronicles Manchester United from the days when Sir Matt Busby was manager through to the present day under Sir Alex Ferguson.

‘Lost’ Bradford footballer David Jackson was aged about 18 when he was let go by the club in the late 1970s. A centre-forward, he failed to make the first team. Mr Park said he played some games for Bradford City before dropping out of the game.

Full-back Tony Gill was once compared to club legend Bryan Robson, who went on to become manager of Bradford City. He was one of the original Fergie fledglings who starred in the youth team in the mid to late-80s and turned out briefly in the senior first team before injury intervened.

Anyone who can help should contact Mr Park on (0161) 660 6068.