Jack Wilkinson had appeared for Arsenal, Sheffield United and Port Vale before his arrival at Exeter City in 1959. Contributing 26 league goals from 48 starts he moved back to the Cheshire area to play for Winsford United and Witton Albion. 

Starting his career with Witton Albion, Jack got his big break when signing for Arsenal in October 1953. He had to be mainly content with reserve team football at Highbury, although did eventually feature in one league game for the Gunners. He was subsequently transferred to Sheffield United in March 1956 where he netted 16 goals in 29 league starts. Moving to Port Vale in June 1957, he added a further 39 league goals to his tally from 80 appearances.

Exeter City paid a fee of £2,500 for Jack’s signature in October 1959 and he duly scored on his debut in a 2-0 home win over Gillingham. He ended the season with 16 goals from 29 league matches but lost his place after fourteen games of the following season having scored another five goals. Missing four games, he then returned to add another five goals either side of Christmas before being transfer-listed in January 1961 having declared a desire to return to the Cheshire area.

Not appearing again for the Grecians, Jack signed for Winsford United in the summer of 1961 before moving to Witton Albion in February 1963. He died in Winsford, Cheshire on 10 April 1996 aged 64.