Howard Wilkinson, a significant figure in English football, is retiring at the age of 80 after a lifetime of influential contributions. He was the last English manager to win the title and played a key role in the development of St George’s Park. For 33 years, he chaired the League Managers’ Association, providing support for coaches in the ever-changing landscape of the sport.

Reflecting on the changes in football over the years, Wilkinson acknowledges the evolution from his early days as a manager to the present. He emphasizes the ongoing changes in the game and the introduction of new elements such as pristine pitches, play-offs, five substitutes, and VAR. Despite the frustrations and challenges associated with these changes, he recognizes the progress and evolution of the sport.

Wilkinson recounts his early coaching experiences, highlighting the simplicity of communication in the past compared to the modern methods. His successful partnership with Notts County manager Jimmy Sirrel involved unconventional communication methods, such as dropping notes wrapped around pebbles from an elevated vantage point during games. While his teams were not always praised for their playing style, Wilkinson’s focus remained on achieving positive results.

He emphasizes the importance of adapting to the needs of the team and players, rather than conforming to a specific ideology of play. One of Wilkinson’s most significant achievements was establishing St George’s Park as the hub of English football. Driven by a desire to provide a better environment for player and coach development, he played a pivotal role in creating the Charter for Quality and establishing a national football center at St George’s Park.

As Wilkinson bids farewell to his influential career, he expresses pride in his contributions and a willingness to embark on the journey once again. His legacy in English football is sure to place him among the visionaries of the game.