He started his career with non-League Crook Town before joining Football League team Hull City in 1953.

Born in Alnwick, Northumberland, Wilkinson started his career playing in non-League football with Northern League side Crook Town, before joining Hull City of the Second Division as an amateur in November 1952.

[4] He joined Third Division North team York City for a signing on fee of £10 in May 1954.

[5] He was part of the team that reached the semi-final of the 1954–55 FA Cup, scoring against Scarborough, Dorchester Town and Tottenham Hotspur.

[5] During his career, Wilkinson played as a part-timer while also working as a shoe repairer and commuted from his home in north Durham.