Lincoln United are hosting a memorial day for club stalwart John Wilkinson.
On Saturday, July 6, an Allen Crombie XI will take on a Brendon McDaid XI in honour of the former Whites’ manager, who died in 2021.
His son, Sam, who is Lincoln’s current vice-chair, said: “It’s a memorial game for John Wilkinson, who pretty much had every job at Lincoln United over the years, he’s done everything. As a family, we wanted to make sure to do a memorial for him every year, and hopefully my kids take that on when I’m too old to run about.
“It’s clear my dad left a bit of a legacy at Lincoln United. He’s got a stand named after him, he’s a very people person and a family man. Getting all his ex-players together makes me feel proud. It’s a way he can carry on supporting the club financially as well, keeping that legacy going.”
The annual game will feature a number of former Lincoln players, as well as Grantham Town counterparts. John Wilkinson managed the Gingerbreads during his long non-league football career.
Among the players are familiar Lincolnshire football face Dave Frecklington, The Whites’ all-time top appearance maker Brendan McDaid, former vice-captain Ian Wilkins, and club top-scorer Tony Simmons.
Sam Wilkinson, who organised the match alongside brother Nick, added: “We’ve tried to raise a bit for the Lincoln United Supporters Trust and the British Heart Foundation. My dad and my uncle both died of heart disease.
“It’s brilliant to raise money for them, we do a lot with the British Heart Foundation. It make everyone feel proud of what we are trying to do, my brother Nick, my wife, my whole family.”
Wilkinson has some 15 family members playing in the game, which will also be a family day with a BBQ, bouncy castle and other attractions.
“It’s not just a kickabout, people take it serious, it’s a proper game. We play for a trophy as well, and hopefully it can carry on for years to come. We hope to get 150 or 200 people through the gates,” he added.
Sam, now 46, described his dad as a friendly and funny man. He said: “Football, friends and family, that was his life. I didn’t know how much of an impact he had on people until he passed away, he was a father figure to so many. He was a really friendly guy, and a funny guy as well. He enjoyed the social side to the football as well as the serious side.
The game will take place at the Sun-hat Villas & Resorts Stadium, Ashby Avenue, on Saturday, July 6 (midday).
