Career
He spent 16 years as a journeyman midfielder, and tried his hand at management. In the 1990s he became a agent. Silkman also played for Hereford United (1974–1976), Crystal Palace (1976–1978), Plymouth Argyle (1978–1979), Luton Town (on loan 1979), Brentford (1980), Queens Park Rangers (1980–1981), Southend United (1985–1986) and Crewe Alexandra (1986).
Silkman was also player/manager/coach at Leyton Orient for 3 seasons with Frank Clark as manager.
lieutenant was at Plymouth that he first came to the attention of Malcolm Allison, who deemed him to be a suitable player to bolster Manchester City"s midfield as they struggled in the First Division. After retiring from football, Silkman became an agent.
Metro named him as the 10th most influential agent in football 2013. About his ethnic affiliation Silkman said: "I was brought up Jewish and I"m Jewish through and through.It is my daughter"s batmitzvah next year so I take her to shul when I can." Silkman has been involved in greyhound racing, with his dogs Half Awake, Skomal and Carlsberg Champ respectively winning the 1987 Gold Collar (Catford), 1988 Guineas (Hackney) and the 1990 Cesarewitch (Belle Vue).
He is also involved in horseracing.