Frank Wilkinson signed for Oldham in October 1940 aged 17 at the same time as Harry Ogden (16) and Jack Taylor (16). However, unlike the other two teenagers who were both forwards, Frank was a back who played on the wing. He made 24 first team appearances for the Roughyeds, which would have been many more but for the fact that he signed during the second World War and saw service in the Royal Navy.
Frank also played some matches on loan at Batley in the wartime period and on one occasion he travelled over to Mount Pleasant on the Oldham team coach when the Roughyeds were the opposition and had something of a quiet trip back after scoring in a narrow victory for the Yorkshire side.
A local lad from Higginshaw, Frank maintained a connection with his local club and coached them to victory over Saddleworth Rangers in the Standard Cup final of 1960.
Player profile
Frank Wilkinson signed for Oldham in October 1940 aged 17 at the same time as Harry Ogden (16) and Jack Taylor (16). However, unlike the other two teenagers who were both forwards, Frank was a back who played on the wing. He made 24 first team appearances for the Roughyeds, which would have been many more but for the fact that he signed during the second World War and saw service in the Royal Navy.
Frank also played some matches on loan at Batley in the wartime period and on one occasion he travelled over to Mount Pleasant on the Oldham team coach when the Roughyeds were the opposition and had something of a quiet trip back after scoring in a narrow victory for the Yorkshire side.
A local lad from Higginshaw, Frank maintained a connection with his local club and coached them to victory over Saddleworth Rangers in the Standard Cup final of 1960.