Paul Wilkinson named assistant manager at Cobblers

The Cobblers have announced the appointment of former player Paul Wilkinson as the club's new assistant manager.
Former Cobblers striker Paul Wilkinson has returned to Sixfields as the club's assistant manager (Picture: Pete Norton)Former Cobblers striker Paul Wilkinson has returned to Sixfields as the club's assistant manager (Picture: Pete Norton)
Former Cobblers striker Paul Wilkinson has returned to Sixfields as the club's assistant manager (Picture: Pete Norton)

Wilkinson has left his job as the Under-21 coach at Barnsley to take up his new role at Sixfields.

The 51-year-old is very experienced and has previously worked in coaching roles with Leeds United, Grimsby Town, Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday, where he was assistant manager to Dave Jones, and Norwich City since retiring as a player in January, 1999.

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A striker when he was a player, Wilkinson played his final season as a professional for the Cobblers, although it wasn’t his most productive time as he managed only one goal in 20 appearances for the club under Ian Atkins.

His retirement ended an 18-year playing career that saw Wilkinson make more than 650 senior appearances, scoring more than 150 goals for a string of clubs including Everton, Nottingham Forest, Watford, Barnsley and Luton Town.

Cobblers boss Rob Page said: “I know Paul very well and he will prove a really good addition to the staff.

“He has plenty of experience, both as a player and a coach, and I am sure the players will enjoy working with him.

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“As well as developing young professionals at the clubs he has worked for, Paul has also been first team coach at both Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City in recent years and that knowledge and experience will be of huge help and benefit to us.”

Wilkinson’s appointment comes just days after Paddy Kenny was unveiled as the Cobblers’ new goalkeeping coach, and they join head of recruitment Andy Melville in Page’s backroom staff.

The Cobblers manager is happy with his team, and said: “With the additions we have made in the last few days I feel we have put together a really strong staff with a broad range of knowledge and experience who will work really well together.”