But after reading this heart-warming and heart-breaking book I feel as though he’s one of my best mates.
Passionate, loyal, feisty and fearless, Wilkinson was a member of the famous Belle Vue sides of the 1970s riding alongside the legendary Ivan Mauger, Soren Sjosten, Peter Collins and current Aces’ boss Chris Morton.
He wasn’t the greatest rider of his generation but judging by the glowing accolades and moving tributes he was certainly one of the greatest characters.
The son of an agricultural mechanic from the little town of Stainton in Cumbria he cut his teeth as a motocross rider before switching to speedway with Rochdale and then graduating to Belle Vue where his combative but caring personality saw him appointed team captain.
Wilkie describes in his own words the colourful characters of the era and the scrapes and japes they got up to back in the days of long hair, big sideburns and flared jeans.
The book recounts how he was held at gunpoint in Russia, and how he took the controls of a light aircraft in Australia having never been in the cockpit in his life.
His career and swashbuckling antics on and off the track were brought to a sudden halt on July 1, 1978, when, after what looked like an innocuous crash on the first bend at Hyde Road, his life was to change forever.
“I slid into the fence and just lay there. No feeling. Nothing. I knew exactly what I had done when I was lying there on the track.”
The following 32 years have been spent in a wheelchair.
The story of how Wilkie dealt – and still deals – with the trauma of being almost totally paralysed from the neck down is recounted in the early stages of the book and it’s impossible to read without a tear in your eye.
It’s here when the portrait of the other equally heroic character of this book comes to life in graphic detail – Wilkie’s wife Jean.
In the words of the author, Richard Frost, this is more than just a speedway book. It’s the inspirational tale of how two people defied the most cruel of blows to battle on and make a life together.
I highly recommend it.
:: From Two Wheels to Four, Wilkie: The Story of a Belle Vue Legend by Richard Frost is available at £15 from the Manchester Waterstone’s in Deansgate, the Belle Vue track shop on match nights or by sending a cheque for £15 plus £3 post and package (payable to The Alan Wilkinson Story) to: PO Box 1133, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 9DJ. Tweet
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"He wasn't the greatest rider of his generation"...?
It really depends on how you define greatest. He headed the Aces averages for a couple of seasons if I remember correctly. For grit and determination he was unparalleled. He didn't have the flair or natural ability of PC and Mort, but he more than made up for it with passion, sheer effort and bloodymindedness. Anyone remember him climbing up to the referee's box for a 'discussion'?
Wilkie was a thumper. Solid, reliable and did the business week-in-week-out. A true team man; not a maximum man, but reliable enough for around 8 points a match - guaranteed. What team manager wouldn't love that type of consistency from a rider?
Godspeed Wilkie. A true legend!
Went to Waterstones in Deansgate today at 12.15 they hadnt heard of the book I took the page with me to show them they told me to go to another waterstones where they might have it I asked them to check for me but refused I asked how long it would be for them to get it and they said it depended on the supplier and could take up to 14 days So much for a birthday present this weekend
Wilkie was a very good rider who could beat the best, he was also a superb team rider, he was very passionate about Belle Vue and woe betide anyone who got on the wrong side of him, a real character who stood up for his team mates. It was a privelage to have witnessed his time at Belle Vue, hard but fair a totally brilliant captain, Oh for an Alan Wilkinson in todays Aces side.
When you talk about team riding wilkie was the best i have ever seen,
The Manager of Waterstones has ordered copies of the book. I know because I was stood at the side of him!
If anyone is struggling to obtain a copy please drop me a mail at : TheAlanWilkinsonStory@hotmail.com and we will be please to despatch one to you. For all those Aces fans who remember Alan - please take the opportunity to buy a book and be transported back to the 70's - Alan Wilkinson makes Gene Hunt look like a Girl Guide!. Great book, great story and you will be supporting Alan and Jean in their continued struggle against the hand that has been dealt to them. 32 years and counting since his accident in July 1978. Please support them if you can.
The Manager of Waterstones in Manchester has placed an order for the books. If anyone is having difficulty please drop a mail to : TheAlanWilkinsonStory@hotmail.com and we will ensure you get a copy shipped to you.
I echo everything said by other poeters. Do you remember when Wilkie laid into Alan Cowland on the track outside the pits gate in a match at Belle Vue around 1972 ? I think Leicester were the opposition that night. It developed into a full scale brawl with Soren Sjosten and others pitching in ! Oh the memories of a great team and a great captain.
I remember that well.It was on a Wednesday Evening.Cowland had brought wilkie down.A Night to remember.Steel shoes at hand.Ever since that incident they erected a large mesh fence entering the Pit bend.
I was 12 years old at the time of Wilkie’s accident., a regular at Hyde Road.
The crash happen onfont of me. It’s a time I will never forget.
Great Captain, even greater MAN