ASB National League
Dunedin, 2011-12

John Wilkinson RIP
Rab Smith

Just heard that John Wilkinson passed away on Friday, after battling serious illness for some time. Football people everywhere will miss John, and all will want to commiserate with Linda and the family.

This pic shows John with his grandkids. Where ? On the touchline.
Which ground ? The Gardens naturally - where he first turned out for Northern, his first club in New Zealand.

Its a long time since John arrived in Dunedin, and maybe this 1981 newspaper report will give an idea of just how good a striker the man was.

' English striker John Wilkinson has spearheaded North End United to the top of the Southern Region of the Hertz soccer league during the few weeks he has been in New Zealand.

Cracking in four goals out of five against last years second top team Dunedin Technical - Wilkinson made a brilliant debut.

Huddersfield born Wilkinson, 28, came from Yorkshire league football where he played for the Emley FC club. He at one time equalled the League's goalscoring record with 31 goals with ten matches still to play, but unwanted publicity of his prowess attracted some old fashioned play from ruthless defenders and in the next match he collected two broken ribs and a broken arm, as he was kicked while on the ground.

In typical understatement, John said,' They could be quite ruthless you know ....I was even kicked sometimes before the game, as we walked onto the pitch.''

Before leaving England he was training full time with Bradford City, and hit full pace instantly in that Dunedin debut.

In his third match he shot North End to the top of the table in a pulsating 7-3 win over Roslyn-Wakari. Wilkie opened the scoring, Barry Still equalised for Roslyn. Goals by Steve Parkinson and Peter Roberts, then Parkinson again, should have sealed the match for North End.

But Mark McConville and Davie Howieson combined, then a diving header by Robert Ramsay gave Roslyn hope, but Wilkie sunk a penalty then Paul Bardwell clinched the final result.

Even Wilkinson's leadership could not win the Hertz League however, and it was Invercargill Thistle that won the Southern section, then went on to beat Christchurch side Cashmere for the Hertz Championship.

Since those halcyon days, John has been ever present in local football, playing, coaching and generally enjoying the game watching his lads play.

He will be missed.