One to XI:Stephen Wilkes
The latest ex-footballer, turned delivery office manager, thinks winning is a bit pants…
7. Stephen Wilkes
When he clocks off from his role as a delivery office manager in Longridge, Stephen Wilkes manages non-league side Northwich Victoria.
Stephen’s playing career at Wigan Athletic and Preston North End was cut short after a car crash, but he became a manager at the tender age of 29. He’s since been in charge in the dugout for more than 1,000 games.
Stephen was a ball boy and his father manned the turnstiles at Deepdale, so pulling on the famous shirt for Preston North End was a highlight.
Stephen was typically superstitious. ‘I had to wear the same underwear for the next game after a win,’ he said. ‘But rest assured, I always wash them in between!’
Look out for our special football feature in January’s Courier.
