The 3rd January 2013 will see Salford City Reds chairman John Wilkinson (OBE) celebrate an astonishing 31 years at the helm of Salford RLFC. John took over from the visionary Keith Snape in 1982 as the Chairman of Salford RLFC

Despite his much respected international business acumen and self made fortune,John has remained true to his Salford routes. John’s father was a Salford City gas worker who sadly passed away of lung illness when John was just five.

“I’m a Salfordian and proud of it. I was born in Church Street, Walkden, went to Birch Road High school which is now Walkden High and have never strayed from Salford even though we have bases elsewhere in the country,” he says.

“This city gave me my life and I like to give something back through my businesses and I hope I’ve done that.”

John’s love for the city lead to him becoming chairman of the Reds in 1982. When asked how he became involved with Rugby League Wilkinson says:



“My wife’s family were Swinton fans so they took me to a game in 1967 and I loved it. Having been into football before then rugby was a different experience. I started watching Salford when they signed David Watkins which was a big signing at the time and I went to see them play Oldham and have gone ever since.”
Despite the ongoing investment negotiations it has been widely acknowledged that after 30 years financial and emotional dedication to the Salford City Reds, John Wilkinson will be stepping down. John has created his own legacy and is easily Salford’s longest serving Chairman, ahead of Brian Snape (1963-197icon_cool.gif and Charles B Riley (1927-1940)

During his tenure John Wilkinson has witnessed many feats, experienced many lows but also some cherished highs.

A trip down memory lane :
During John’s Thirty-two year reign Salford have been somewhat of a frustrating love affair.

Shortly After Wilkinson’s arrival in 82 , Salford appeared in two Lancashire cup finals in three seasons, unfortunately on both occasions the Reds were the losers.

John has never been afraid to put his hand in his pocket ,and in an attempt to bring the glory days back.

In 1987 The club transfer record was broken twice. Scrum-half David Cairns arrived from Barrow for £35,000 followed by forward Mick Worrall from Oldham for £55,000. Even more sensational that month was the capture of Australian international and Golden Boot winner full-back Garry Jack.

The vision and big spending didn’t end there either when the following season Wilkinson provided Coach Kevin Tamtai with the funds to bring in Wales Union winger Adrian Hadley from Cardiff in September.

John Wilkinson’s first taste of silverware came in 1991 when Salford reached the Second Division Premiership Trophy Final at Old Trafford beating Halifax 27-20 .This was followed by the Reds clinching the 1990-91 Second Division Championship.

In 1992 John pulled off one of the clubs greater signings when we signed Wigan reserve stand-off, Steve Blakeley, for £28,000. Blakeley proved his worth and went on to be the third highest point and goal scorer in the club’s history, after club legends David Watkins and Gus Risman .

The 1991/ 92 saw Salford finish tenth (out of fourteen) and saw the emergence of Club favourite and Mullet icon “Tex Evans”

1992/93 :Salford finished second bottom to Hull KR but had the worse defensive record
Salford (27.88 ppg – 143.31%) and average crowd was disappointingly just over 3’000

1993/94: Salford were in crisis and after a run of defeats Australian Garry Jack was replaced by The current scrum halve and Ex Wigan Legend Andy Gregory. Salford finished the season 12th.

As the 1995 season approached ,John was faced with a dilemma : Plans for a Super League, to be played during the summer months from 1996, were announced. The proposal included merging several clubs. Pressure from inside the RFL proposed Salford and Oldham join forces and become known as ‘Manchester’. During this turbulent period, John refuted these proposals and when Salford visited Oldham for a match on Good Friday and saw supporters of both clubs demonstrate against the idea by invading the pitch at half time

Giant Killers and The Bright Lights
Easily one of John Wilkinson’s greatest days as chairman happened at The Willows on the 11th February 1996, as Salford went on to produce one of the Rugby League Challenge Cup’s greatest upsets as Andy Gregory’s Team of part timers not only beat Wigan 26-16 but shown the Rugby League world that the name of Salford should never be underestimated and boy did the underdogs have their names immortalised forever in Salford folklore.

August 1996 saw Salford defeat the Keighley Cougars 21- 4 .This ensured Andy Gregory’s Salford wrapped up the First Division title for the second time that year – this time it was even sweeter due to the fact despite finishing champions in 1995 the Reds weren’t allowed to go into Super League because there was no promotion or relegation.

The 1997 season was an incredible success as Gregory’s Men not only exceeded expectations by finishing in 6th position in their inaugural Super League season. Salford also made the challenge cup semi final but losing out too the star studded Saint Helen’s side who went on to lift the famous trophy, defeating Bradford in an epic Wembley final.

John Wilkinson could of been forgiven for thinking he had finally brought the glory days back to our famous club as Salford made their second consecutive appearance in the challenge cup semi-finals. With twelve minutes remaining the Reds were leading 18-10 and The reds supporters were already thinking about the trip to Wembley for the first time in nearly thirty years.

But then tragedy struck. A period that for many Salford supporters believe was the beginning of our rapid decline into whipping boys of the league happened, as Sheffield scored twice in the final 12 minutes to win 18-22 . To rub salt into the gaping wounds Sheffield then went on to record the greatest ever Challenge Cup upset of all time defeating Wigan Warrior’s at Wembley to lift the glorious trophy.

After plummeting down the table in 1998, 1999 saw the departure of Andy Gregory (John Harvey was the incoming coach) and in a nod to the clubs City status ,the first match as Salford City Reds (changing the name from Salford Reds) was against Gateshead Thunder at The Willows

As the 1990s come to a close. The team rewarded John Wilkinson with five trophies; Division Two Championship (1990/91), Division Two Premiership (1991), Division One (formerly Division Two) Championship (1995/96 and 1996) and Divisional Premiership 1996.

Another chapter in the Salford tale:
The new millennium was unfortunately another difficult period for John Wilkinson. The 2000 season witnessed another lack lustre season finishing third from bottom , the only highlight being the fantastic 31-12 defeat of Warrington Wolves live on SKY.

2001 should of been the kick start of greater things. John Wilkinson dug deep once more and brought in not only former Brisbane Broncos and Australian Test winger Michael Hancock but also Try scoring legend Martin Offiah. The omens for what was to come were loud and clear as Salford were dumped out of the Rugby League Challenge Cup live on BBC Grandstand by lower division side Leigh Centurions .

This was followed by an horrendous run of injuries and a string of defeat’s that saw affable Aussie John Harvey resign, and U20′s Coach Steve McCormick plug the gap until he was too relinquished of his duties to make way for former Halifax and Hull prop Karl Harrison.

Unfortunately the arrival of “Rhino” was too late to stop Salford finishing bottom of Super League in 2002 and the home defeat to Castleford, coupled with a home win for Wakefield Trinity over Warrington, resulted in relegation for John Wilkinson and the Reds.

In 2003 Wilkinson took the brave step to ensure Salford were promoted to Super League by handing Karl Harrison a transfer kitty that would make Salford the envy of opposition teams as we were the National Leagues only full time squad.

Ultimately this declaration of intent from John Wilkinson would show dividends .The 2003 season saw Salford rewrite the history books beating Gateshead Thunder at The Willows 100-12 in the National Cup, a club record score, whilst Four days earlier Salford had again defeated Gateshead 90-8 at the thunder dome the Reds highest score since 1907.

Wilkinson was rewarded for his loyalty and financial dedication as the Reds not only captured the Arriva Trains Cup with a glorious 36-19 victory over local rivals Leigh in a bad tempered final at Spotland, but also sealed promotion again defeating The Centurions in the NL1 Grand final and more importantly promotion decider.

2004 was John Wilkinson’s Twenty-Second season ,Despite having lost nine of their first ten matches in Super League IX ,The Reds staged a dramatic recovery during the second half of the season to finish ninth in the Super League table.

Salford commenced the 2005 season with renewed optimism and young talent at their disposal , John had vowed to support Harrison financially which resulted in the City Reds capturing former Wigan Warriors players, David Hodgson and scrum-half Luke Robinson. Despite attracting the plaudits, Salford only finished Six points above the eventually relegated Widnes Vikings, whom finished second bottom (But were relegated ahead of Catalan whom were immune)

John A Wilkinson – OBE :
A deserved acknowledgment was made in 2005 when Wilkinson known as ‘Mr Salford’ was accompanied by his wife Elaine to Buckingham palace where he was awarded the OBE from The Queen for services to the city.

2006 saw John finally rewarded for his faith in Karl Harrison. Despite being favourites for relegation the Reds played scintillating League and the Reds mean defence ensured we finished fifth in the League, qualifying for the Super League play-offs for the first time in the Super League Era .
This has so far been the clubs highest position in a top division since coming fourth in 1979-80 in the old First Division.

Unfortunately 2007 proved to be the beginning of a Rugby League nightmare as Shaun McRae replaced Karl Harrison (The 2007 squad being crippled by injuries) as Salford coach on a four and a half year contract. In frightening similarity to the 2003 season, the arrival of McRae once more couldn’t prevent Salford from being relegated for the second time in the Super League era.

In 2008 the gauntlet was thrown down once more for Salford to prove their worth. Promotion was replaced with the some what controversial “Franchise” system.

Despite the culpable pressure , Salford cemented their place both as League leaders, Northern Rail Cup champions and National League 1 champions by defeating the Now defunct Celtic Crusaders In what can only be described at the most tense matches ever witnessed by Salford supporters . (Search : John Wilshere and the Million pound kick)

Fear and Franchise:

Due to John Wilkinson’s commitment and vision ,Salford were deservingly one of 14 clubs awarded a three-year Super League franchise running from 2009 to 2011.

2009 saw the Reds return to the big stage and despite a disappointing season, Wilkinson was rewarded as the Reds beat Leeds Rhinos at Headingley 30-20 to produce one of the biggest surprises of the season, and Salford’s first (and second) away win at Headingley since 1977.

2010 was once more a difficult and play off evasive season, but the emergence of young Oldham born hooker Gareth Owen and Yorkshire born flyer Jodie Broughton ensured the Reds were competitive and hungry.

John and the Board of directors splashed the cash for 2011 .Salford snared a host of big name signings for the final season at The Willows. These names included Luke Patten (from Canterbury Bulldogs), Chris Nero (Bradford Bulls), Vinnie Anderson (Warrington Wolves), Stephen Wild (Huddersfield Giants), Iafeta Palea’aesina and Phil Bailey (both Wigan Warriors), and Sean Gleeson (Wakefield Wildcats)

In typical Salford style the 2011 season was heartbreaking both on and off the field. The Off field drama that would make Coronation Street look far fetched. Sean McRae resigned after a lengthy period of sickness , Caretaker coach and club legend Malcolm Alker was controversially relived of his duties, this was then followed by the appointment of Phil Vievers , who after a moderately successful tenure , was then replaced by Australian Matt Parish , who resigned after only Six Matches .Parish was then replaced by the previous Head coach applicant Phil Vievers

On the field the team struggled to gel and bold statements such as “We will make the Top 8 ” we’re shown up as just words . Victories were few and far and despite the odd emphatic victory ,Salford failed to threaten the top 8 . Worse than that was after 111 Years of rugby league at the Willows and in front of our largest crowd since 1996 ,The final ever Willows game ended in defeat as the Catalan Dragons ran in seven tries in a manner that broke Salford’s heart.

No white flag:
Despite the on field and off field set backs over the past thirty years . John Wilkinson continued to pump money into the Reds and vowed to see the Reds move into a purpose built stadium adjacent to the M62 flyover at Barton .

Despite the financial impossibility of building a self sufficient stadium John Wilkinson has never thrown the towel in and delivered his promise made over eleven years previously

John ensured the dream of a First class stadium both for the Player’s and spectators was realised when on the 4th Feb 2012 Salford hosted the Castleford Tigers Live on SKY at the impressive 12’000 capacity Salford City Stadium

2012 was the first of hopefully many seasons at The City of Salford Stadium. And despite yet more disappointing league positions and off field drama . Salford continue to fight another day, and that is purely down to the Dedication and loyalty of One man and his Family

A personal Thank You:

John, Elaine and Tina. Words can never suffice to explain the gratitude of Salford RLFC supporters.

You have carried this club for over Thirty years, in a sport that is neither grateful of financially beneficial you could of pulled the plug many times ,and nobody would of blamed you.
You have ensured that the a historic name of Salford RLFC is carried on for generations to come. You have shaped many a persons life with the gift of your support and belief in the City of Salford and its premier sporting team. Quite simply without the Wilkinson’s we wouldn’t have a Salford City Reds today. Regardless of what the future may bring , your legacy will remain untouched , you are our very own Bill Shankly, Bobbie Robson Or Alex Ferguson.

You may be handing over the reigns shortly but let this be known.
We will never forget you ,or be able to show our gratitude.


“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Thank you Mr. Salford

To$$er! jog on posting guff like this

Nice to see your so grateful . Don't be bitter, get better.

unfortunately you will always get muppets who respond liek this, I for one am in admiration of Wilky, hes kept our club afloat for years. No we are in trouble everyone seems willing to forget this and jump on his back even though it should have happened many years ago!

What happens when the money runs out?
Now we know.
Of course,JW deserves our heartfelt thanks for subsidising our hobby for many years,at great personal cost.
Thank you.

finally my faith in the turkey is restored!

Hang on a minute! Aren’t you that lass that was airing all her dirty washing in public and telling everyone how hard her life was?? I thought you “were never posting on here again”???

Thanks for the Monika Mr Salford Bye Bye Good Riddance

LOL your a bit of a tool aren't you!!

How disappointingly inevitable.

A comment attributable To Phil :

`In every bunch of roses there is always a prick`

What a shame that some cant see past the present to acknowledge what John Wilkinson has done for Salford RLFC. I know I've had my moan but I was out of order on many points. I have now been put right on many ill informed wrongs and for me, John Wilkinson deserves better than a few bitter Pr*cks spouting abuse .

At least this time you don't appear to have based an article on speculation and conjecture.

The more I read the article here the more it looks like you hold the club dear to your heart, then I remember the article of a few weeks ago and it gets confusing.

The more you read posts by some of the ingreats on here the more you feel we don't deserve a club. There aren't many people who would invest a medium sized fortune with little prospect of a return, there are fewer people who would be thick skinned enough to do that when there are people who berate them for it.

To the people who call him you now have your chance to put up or shut up, there are calls for fans to become involved so I'm assuming you all have small fortunes to fritter away. I await childish Beach Boy references and poorly constructed replies skirting the issue on some contributors chance to become the clubs cash rich messiah.

Aah Michigan I'm a naive pleb at the best of times and truth be told slightly mental (seriously) but I do actually love this club. I know funny way of showing it but you have to admit when your a wally and that I can be

You have a point, Daz, in regards to those who have called for a new administration. I await with bated breath the transformation in the Clubs fortunes when these committed, business savvy, knowledgeable individuals take the opportunity that they are now offered.

Keith Snape nice man that he was,new about as much as you.Brother Brian was the visionary.

Cavendish......why havent you mentioned the 29 and a half years of failure?

Failure of what?
Growing his hair out?
Winning an Olympic gymnastics medal?
Pioneering a successful space launch?

Incidentally, I agree. He's really fallen short on each of those.

You need to post images of text? Is that an advanced form of dyslexia?

Can you google-image me an insight into each of the "29 and a half years of failure"?