As the awards night grows closer, we take a look at the career of our inaugural Most Glorious Player, Gavin Wilkinson.
Gavin Wilkinson made history at Perth Glory, with the no-nonsense defender claiming the first ever Most Glorious Player after the club’s debut season in the National Soccer League (NSL).
The Kiwi international made 68 appearances for Glory, bagging four goals over a period spanning between 1996-1999.
Wilkinson was Glory’s standout player in their opening season in the NSL, with his leadership, communication from the back and renowned football brains proving to be vital in the WA side enjoying strong campaign with Gary Marocchi’s men narrowly missing out on a finals spot.
The Auckland-born player then joined Singaporean outfit Geylang International FC before a short stint at Kilkenny City and finally in the US with the Portland Timbers. Wilkinson went on to play 124 times for the American side before hanging up his boots in 2006 to pursue his managerial career further.
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Ever since finishing up his playing days, Wilkinson has played a massively crucial role in the setup at the Portland Timbers. From his assistant coach role, to head coach when the club was in the old United Soccer Leagues First Division (discontinued in 2010), all the way to interim head coach of their Major League Soccer (MLS) side in 2012, Wilkinson has been at the heart of everything for the Oregon-based club.
Wilkinson, who won 40 caps for his country, including encounters with World Cup winners Brazil and Germany, is currently an integral part of the executive staff at the Timers working as the General Manager and Technical Director for the side that claimed their maiden MLS Cup in 2015.
The 20th edition of the QBE Perth Glory Awards is coming up this Saturday, the 13th of May in the Perth Convention centre. Book your table today: http://bit.ly/2nGhNzBÂ
#GloryIsOurs
