Barnsley Football Club is saddened to learn of the recent passing of our former player Dave Wilkes (59).
A Barnsley-born midfielder who came through the ranks here at Oakwell, he would make his way into the first team as a teenager, going on to make 17 appearances for the Reds between 1981 and 1984.
His playing days took him to Hong Kong, where he was a runner up for Harps FC in their version of the FA Cup Final. After a ban on overseas players, Dave returned to England and had spells with Stockport County and Carlisle United.
It was with the latter that Wilkes enjoyed much of his coaching career. He was involved in the youth setup at Brunton Park before stepping up to the first team underneath another Barnsley man in Mick Wadsworth.
He had spells in caretaker charge of the Cumbrians, before stints with both Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town. In 2005 he returned to Carlisle, leading their Centre of Excellence, whilst for the much of the last 17 years he's held various positions at the club, most recently as Head of Coaching within United's academy system.
Our thoughts as a Club are with all of Dave's family, friends and colleagues at this enormously difficult time.
Dave Wilkes | Alumni Number 831
Once A Red, Always A Red
