Biography
Hull born full back and occasional centre forward Graham James Wilkinson was raised on the Orchard Park Estate and joined the Tigers as an apprentice in 1950, signing his first professional contract in September 1952 just before his 18th birthday. Wilkinson was a stalwart of the City reserve side for many years, making nearly 130 appearances for the stiffs between 1954 and 1960. He broke into the first team just twice – firstly when Frank Harrison was absent in October 1958 and Graham started two matches at right back, secondly in March 1960 when Harrison was again absent and Wilkinson played once at left back.
Wilkinson left the Tigers in the 1960 close season and joined Yorkshire League side Bridlington Trinity, where he converted to centre half and served the club for seven years, becoming club captain in August 1961. He made his last appearance for Trinity in February 1967 when the first team was short of players, having announced his retirement the previous summer.
Later in life he settled near Anlaby Common and died in April 2019 – donations from mourners were sent to dementia charities.
Details
Nationality: England
Date/Place of Birth: 21 October 1934, Hull
Hull City First Game: 6 October 1958, Chesterfield H (Division Three), 23 years, 350 days old
Hull City Final Game: 5 March 1960, Leyton Orient H (Division Two), 25 years, 136 days old
Clubs
Hull City (1950-1960), Bridlington Trinity (1960-1967)
Hull City Record
Career: 3 apps, 0 goals
Graham Wilkinson| Season | LGE App | LGE Gls | FAC App | FAC Gls | FLC App | FLC Gls | EUR App | EUR Gls | OTH App | OTH Gls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952/53 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1953/54 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1954/55 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1955/56 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1956/57 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1957/58 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1958/59 | 2 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 1959/60 | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |