Richard Wilkins (footballer) explained

Richard Wilkins
Fullname:Richard John Wilkins
Birth Date:28 May 1965
Birth Place:Lambeth, England
Height:6 ft 0 in[1]
Position:Midfielder
Years1:1985–1986
Years2:1986–1990
Caps2:152
Goals2:22
Years3:1990–1994
Caps3:81
Goals3:7
Years4:1994–1996
Caps4:77
Goals4:5
Years5:1996–2000
Caps5:127
Goals5:11
Totalcaps:437
Totalgoals:45
Manageryears1:2000–2014
Managerclubs1:Bury Town
Manageryears2:2014–2016
Managerclubs2:Leiston
Manageryears3:2017–2020
Managerclubs3:Needham Market
Manageryears4:2023
Managerclubs4:Stowmarket Town

Richard John Wilkins (born 28 May 1965) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Career

Born in Lambeth in London, Wilkins began his career at non-League club Haverhill Rovers in 1985. On 20 November 1986 he signed for Colchester United. After 150 appearances, he was signed by Cambridge United in July 1990 for £60,000. In 1994, he moved to Hereford United on a free transfer, before being re-signed by Colchester in 1996 for a fee of £30,000. He retired from professional football in 2000 before becoming manager of non-League club Bury Town. He led the club to two promotions, in 2005-06 from the Eastern Counties League, and in 2009-10 from the Southern Football League Division One Midlands. Wilkins stepped down from the role at the end of the 2013–14 season. In July 2014, Wilkins joined fellow Suffolk side Leiston as Steve Ball's assistant. He then took over as manager shortly after and led the side to the top half of the Isthmian League Premier Division in his first season. In his second season the side were challenging for promotion. He then left the club by mutual consent before joining Needham Market as the assistant manager. He became manager of Needham Market at the end of the 2016–17 season,[2] remaining at the club until February 2020.[3]

He was appointed assistant manager of Stowmarket Town in April 2021.[4] At the end of the 2022–23 season, he became the club's manager.[5] He resigned in December 2023 after the club's budget was cut.[6]

Honours

Colchester United[7] [8]

1998

Individual

Notes and References

  1. Book: Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88 . Peter . Dunk . Queen Anne Press . London . 1987 . 134 . 978-0-356-14354-5.
  2. http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/15403412._I_know_they_will_be_pushing_for_a_higher_finish____Colchester_United_promotion_winning_skipper_Richard_Wilkins/ "It's a big test for my players and a daunting one" - former Colchester United skipper and Needham Market boss Richard Wilkins
  3. https://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/29054/kevin-horlock-doubling-up-as-new-needham-market-manager-and-academy-boss/ Kevin Horlock doubling up as new Needham Market manager
  4. Web site: Richard Wilkins back in the non-league game as he joins Suffolk club as assistant manager. East Anglian Daily Times. Bacon. Mike. 26 April 2021. 18 May 2023.
  5. Web site: RICHARD 'WILKS' WILKINS: STOWMARKET TOWN FC'S NEW MANAGER. stowmarkettownfc.co.uk. 16 May 2023. 18 May 2023.
  6. Web site: David 'Bart' Lorimer focusing on positives after answering Stowmarket Town's SOS call after Richard Wilkins and Alex Rossis depart over budget cut. 21 December 2023. Suffolk News.
  7. Web site: Associate Members Cup Finalists . Coludaybyday.co.uk.
  8. Web site: Division Three (League Two) Play-Off Finalists . Coludaybyday.co.uk.
  9. Web site: Colchester United Player of the Season . Coludaybyday.co.uk.