Mexborough and Swinton Times, February 1927

Mexborough Team Changes
A New Centre Half

Since the meeting of the Mexborough Committee on Tuesday the services of another new player has been obtained and the team will be altered in some respect from that foreshadowed in our football notes.

The latest recruit is Joseph Wilkinson, a centre half. He is a Darfield man and was for 2 seasons on Wombwell’s books, but did not get many opportunities at that time on account of the overshadowing presence of Leslie Bedford.

Young Wilkinson was then only some 18 years old, was looked upon as a potential player of great promise. His build and strength were valuable assets, and his clean mode of living further helped the hopes of his future. His head work was good and he showed the beginnings of a good technique.

But before Bedford’s departure to Chesterfield occurred to give him hiss opening in the Wombwell Midland league team he got himself fixed up with Southampton, who kept him for a couple of seasons awaiting his development. During that time has been kept regularly in trim by playing in Southampton’s Southern league team.

Wilkinson is now 21, stands 6 foot high, and weighs 12 stone 7 lbs. His return to South Yorkshire will be welcome, and his arrival in the Mexborough team, apart from his ability as a player, should be valuable in bringing weight and bulk to a side which is rather under the average in these assets.