Number two takes temporary charge

Wilkinson's number two was handed temporary control of first team affairs at Yarnton Road on Thursday as officials set a deadline of September 9 for potential candidates to apply for the vacant post.

In a statement naming 39-year-old former Walsall, Wycombe Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers striker McSporran, the Greens paid a warm tribute to their ex-manager, pictured below, who led them to promotion to the EVO-STIK League Southern's Central Division One in April as Hellenic League champions.

Greens spokesman Simon Dickens said: "In what proved to be a stellar last season for Kidlington FC, Wilky guided the club to the quarter-final of the FA Vase before we finally bowed out of the competition, just two games from a fairy tale final at Wembley.

"However, the new season has witnessed a poor start with just two points in the first six league matches and an early exit from the FA Cup has led to his resignation. Despite that, he leaves Kidlington FC as the club's most successful manager of all time.

"All at the club extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Wilky and wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Looking ahead to appointing Wilkinson's successor, he added: "The trustees and general committee have already received a number of expressions of interest and will accept further responses up until the 9 September prior to making a new appointment."

UEFA A Licence holder Wilkinson works for the RAF and also manages the RAF FA Senior Representative Team. A former coach at Raith Rovers, Forfar Athletic and Swindon Town's academy, he stood down this week after seeing his side's heavy 5-0 home defeat at the hands of Beaconsfield SYCOB on Bank Holiday Monday.

For more information on the vacant post, contact Kidlington secretary David Platt via the club's website.

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