Background
Wilkinson was born in Medomsley, near Consett in County Durham.
Wilkinson was born in Medomsley, near Consett in County Durham.
After playing his early football for local sides, Wallsend and Consett, he joined Leeds United of the Football League First Division in September 1928. Although he remained with the Elland Road club for five years, he only made three first-team appearances before he moved to fellow First Division club in October 1933, for a fee of £2,000. A bout of influenza caused Wilkinson to miss much of his first season with the Blades, who were relegated to the Second Division.
On his recovery, he soon became a regular player at left back, staying with the Bramall Lane club for five years, making 133 first-team appearances.
Wilkinson was injured and unavailable to play in the semi-final, with Albert Cox taking his place as Fulham were defeated 2–1. Wilkinson recovered from his injury in time for the final and manager, Teddy Davison, "opted for (Wilkinson"s) age and experience" over Cox.
In the summer of 1938, Wilkinson left Sheffield to join fellow Second Division club Southampton. He played the first two matches of the 1938-1939 season, both 2–1 defeats, but sustained a serious leg injury in the second match at Burnley.
The injury required the removal of a cartilage and by the time he had recovered, new signing Tom Emanuel had become established at left back.
Wilkinson only managed one further appearance before he left at the end of the season to join Bournemouth as player-coach.