Steve Wilkes Football Manager – (1,000 Games In Charge)
When Steve Wilkes takes charge of Northwich Victoria this weekend he will become only the thirty-ninth manager in the history of world football to reach 1,000 games in charge as a football manager. His name will be added to a list of managers that have achieved this remarkable landmark such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, Sir Bobby Robson, Brian Clough, Arsene Wenger, Graham Taylor, Harry Rednapp, Giovanni Trapatoni, Sven Goran Eriksson, John Toshack, Neil Warnock, Jim Smith, Jock Stein & Tony Pulis to name a few.
A former professional footballer with his hometown club of Preston North End he signed his first team contract at Deepdale in 1987. Wilkes later went on to play for Southport, Morecambe and Bamber Bridge before retiring in 1993. The move into management came five years later when he joined Darwen Football Club before spells with Padiham, Runcorn Linnets, Ashton Athletic and current club Northwich Victoria. Below is the number of games that he has managed at each club.
Darwen Football Club 287
Padiham Football Club 448
Runcorn Linnets 130
Ashton Athletic 49
Northwich Victoria 84
Speaking about this weekend the Northwich manager said, I’m really proud of reaching the milestone of 1000 games, it’s something not many managers will achieve no matter what level they’re managing at. I started at the age of twenty-nine years old and never thought I’d see out the first season, so to still be doing the job and loving the job is also something I’m proud of. It means the world to be able to join the 1000 club but the most important thing tomorrow is 3 points for Northwich Victoria Football Club.
It’s not often you get to report on something or someone who you know or have worked with and after working with Steve Wilkes for a short period of time at Padiham Football Club. I can honestly say that you will not find a more hard-working, humble man in the game, a great manager that gives 100% to his Club, Board, Players and Supporters and reaching this landmark is fully deserved, well done mate.
Chadwick Media 