The Reds chairman mapped out his goals for the coming season in a rousing address to the full squad and coaching staff at a team meeting in Jacksonville today - and he called for the players to deliver.
"In this, my 27th year as chairman, I know we face unchartered waters but if we are positive and give everything both in training and in matches, I know we will come through," Wilkinson told the players.
"I feel we have recruited well and put together one of the best squads the Salford club has ever had.
"I simply hope the players give everything they can for the Salford City Reds. I know they will.
"We are all in this together and every ounce of effort is going to be needed over the coming weeks and months.
"We must perform as a team and we have brought in quality players with a winning mentality.
"I would like to see us finishing in the top eight, and we will be looking to make a good start and to build on the success and progress we made last year.
Ambition
"It has always been an ambition to help see Salford back to Wembley for a Challenge Cup final.
"Leading the team out there would be an honour.
"It would also be good for the whole City of Salford - look what cup success did for Bradford and its community.
"I know it is the luck of the draw but a strong challenge in the cup is something I want."
Wilkinson also reassured Reds fans that the credit crunch will not hamper Salford's proposed new stadium at Barton.
"The global economy will have an effect on everyone and banks are still in no position to make monies available so vital to our economy," he said.
"Sponsorship will be a challenge - yet I believe ours with the Trafford Centre is the best in the league.
"I want to steer my company through these difficult times and I also want success for a club I care very passionately about.
"John Whittaker from Peel Holdings has again assured me we will be building what will be the finest stadium in the rugby league at Barton.
"Myself and my vice-chairman Howard Clague remain totally committed to the stadium development and 2010 is still our aim."
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Good luck with everything John. Here's to building on last seasons great NL1 / NRC campaigns. But come on, lets see some activity with the stadium. These "aims" are getting closer and closer and the stadium looks no closer to being started, never mind finished. If it can't be built, admit it and lets spend some money on,and make the best of, the Willows til the recession has passed. Empty promises are no promises at all. Something the RFL know as well as the rest of us.