Neil Wilkinson

Wilkinson began his career with Blackburn Rovers, beginning his apprenticeship in August 1971. He made his first-team debut in the FA Cup at Lincoln City on 18 November 1972. He turned professional in February 1973. Blackburn finished third in the Third Division in 1972–73 under the stewardship of Ken Furphy. They dropped to 13th in 1973–74, before new boss Gordon Lee guided them to promotion as champions in 1974–75. Jim Smith then took charge at Ewood Park, as Rovers retained their Second Division status with mid-table finishes in 1975–76 and 1976–77. Wilkinson was only a first-team regular for part of the 1975–76 season when Mick Heaton was out injured and was behind Derek Fazackerley and Kevin Hird in the pecking order during the 1976–77 campaign. Wilkinson then spent a brief time in South Africa before he returned to England to join Fourth Division club Port Vale in June 1978. He played nine competitive games for Dennis Butler's "Valiants" in 1978–79, before being transferred to Warwick Rimmer's Crewe Alexandra, along with £3,000, in exchange for Kevin Tully in October 1978. The "Railwaymen" finished bottom of the Football League in 1978–79, and under Tony Waddington's stewardship had to re-apply for re-election again in 1979–80, before rising to 18th place in 1980–81.

Blackburn Rovers

Football League Third Division: 1974–75