13th February 1947

Chesterfield, Derbyshire

Defender

Defender Ernie Wilkinson arrived from Arsenal, where he had played in a FA Youth Cup final in 1965, and made around sixty appearances for Exeter City before departing for Rhyl two years later. He was an ever-present for the Grecians during his first season with the club.   

He commenced his career as an apprentice with Arsenal, signing a full contract for in February 1964 - and playing in the FA Youth Cup Final against Everton in 1965 - although he  never made the first-team.

It was from Highbury that the Grecians signed Ernie in June 1966. Making his debut in the opening game of the season at Wrexham on 20 August 1966, he was ever-present in the side throughout 1966/67 when he invariably wore the number four shirt. The following season he faced competition from the newly-signed Cliff Huxford and, after starting the season in the team, was out-of-favour by December 1967. Subsequently loaned to Rochdale in March 1968, where he played nine times, Ernie saw out the season on loan at Yeovil Town. 

Released on a free transfer by Exeter at the end of the 1967/68 season, Ernie signed for Rhyl ahead of joining Nuneaton Borough in 1970, AP Leamimgton in 1973 and Poole Town in 1975.

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