Career
Before playing for Villa he played for West Bromwich Albion and Walsall. The Villa News and Record 1 September 1906
Wilkes instantly experienced success at Villa Park, playing a bit part in the club"s 1898-1899 title success before establishing himself as a first team regular in their 1899–1900 title victory. He was less fortunate in the FA cup where he found himself part of a Villa side beaten in a famous cup upset by Southern League Millwall Athletic.
He made five appearances for England, between March 1901 and May 1902, scoring the equalizing goal against Scotland in a 2-2 draw at Villa Park on 3 May 1902 - this was the replay of the match that was abandoned as a result of the first Ibrox disaster on 5 April 1902, in which 25 people died and 517 were injured.
He began his photographic career whilst still a player and he continued until his death.
