Crossword Genius

The Crown in Ilkley names footballer as landlord (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

innkeeper

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'landlord' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'the crown in ilkley names footballer' is the wordplay.
'the crown in ilkley names' becomes 'inn' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'footballer' becomes 'keeper' (goalkeeper).
'inn'+'keeper'='INNKEEPER'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for innkeeper that I've seen before include "Tavern owner" , "Accommodating type" , "Pub landlord" , "Publican" , "Pub runner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app