Charlie_Wilkinson_(footballer)

Charlie Wilkinson (footballer)

Charlie Wilkinson (footballer)

English footballer

Charles Edward Wilkinson (7 May 1907 – 1975) was an English professional footballer who played as a full back for Leeds United, Sheffield United and Southampton in the 1930s. He was a member of Sheffield United's FA Cup team that reached the final in 1936, where they were defeated by Arsenal.

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Football career

Wilkinson was born in Medomsley, near Consett in County Durham.[1] After playing his early football for local sides, Wallsend and Consett,[1] he joined Leeds United of the Football League First Division in September 1928.[2]

Although he remained with the Elland Road club for five years, he only made three first-team appearances[3] before he moved to fellow First Division club Sheffield United in October 1933, for a fee of £2,000.[4] A bout of influenza caused Wilkinson to miss much of his first season[4][5] 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.[6]

In 1936, Wilkinson helped Sheffield United reach the FA Cup semi-finals, where they met fellow Second Division side Fulham. Wilkinson was injured and unavailable to play in the semi-final, with Albert Cox taking his place as Fulham were defeated 2–1.[7] Wilkinson recovered from his injury in time for the final and manager, Teddy Davison, "opted for (Wilkinson's) age and experience" over Cox.[7] The final, against Arsenal of the First Division, was a fairly even contest which "produced few quality moments" and was won by the only goal of the match from Ted Drake.[8]

In the summer of 1938, Wilkinson left Sheffield to join fellow Second Division club Southampton. He played the first two matches of the 1938–39 season, both 2–1 defeats, but sustained a serious leg injury in the second match at Burnley.[2] 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.[2] Wilkinson only managed one further appearance[9] before he left at the end of the season to join Bournemouth as player-coach.[2]

Honours

Sheffield United

References

  1. [1]
    Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: Tony Brown. p. 280. ISBN 1-899468-67-6.
  2. [2]
    Holley, Duncan; Chalk, Gary (1992). The Alphabet of the Saints. ACL & Polar Publishing. p. 366. ISBN 0-9514862-3-3.
  3. [3]
    "Charles Wilkinson". leeds-fans.org.uk. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  4. [4]
    "William Gooney profile". sheffieldunited-mad.co.uk. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  5. [5]
    "Decline and Fall 1925 – 1934". A History of Sheffield United. 25 February 2010. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  6. [6]
    Clarebrough, Denis; Kirkham, Andrew (2008). Sheffield United Who's Who. Hallamshire Press. p. 349. ISBN 978-1-874718-69-7.
  7. [7]
    "United mourn 1936 FA Cup star Albert Cox". The Star. 9 April 2003. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  8. [8]
    Lloyd, Guy; Holt, Nick (2005). The F.A. Cup – The Complete Story. Aurum Press. p. 138. ISBN 1-84513-054-5.
  9. [9]
    Chalk, Gary; Holley, Duncan (1987). Saints – A complete record. Breedon Books. p. 101. ISBN 0-907969-22-4.
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