Dave Wilkes Obituary News: Barnsley Born Midfielder and Former Player of Barnsley Football Club dies at 59
He was a midfielder from Barnsley who progressed through the Oakwell ranks and entered the main team as a teenager. Between 1981 and 1984, he made 17 appearances for the Reds.
His playing career took him to Hong Kong, where he finished as Harps FC’s runner-up in that city’s FA Cup Final. Dave returned to England after the prohibition on foreign players and played for Stockport County and Carlisle United.
Wilkes spent the majority of his coaching career with the latter. Before moving up to the first team, he was a part of Brunton Park’s youth program under Mick Wadsworth, a fellow Barnsley native.
Prior to turns with Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town, he had periods as interim manager of the Cumbrians. His most recent job at the club, Head of Coaching for United’s academy system, was held by him most recently until he returned to Carlisle in 2005 to oversee their Center of Excellence. He has worked for the club for the most of the past 17 years.
As a Club, we are thinking of Dave’s family, friends, and coworkers during this incredibly trying time.
