had signed a short-term contract with the club in order to help him recover from a serious head injury he sustained playing against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup. Wilkinson later revealed his injury had caused some damage to his brain. Wilkinson announced his retirement from football in February 2016. Wilkinson was granted a testimonial match by the club, which was played on 16 May 2016 attracting over 16,000 Stoke supporters. Coaching career Wilkinson was appointed assistant manager of Stoke City U18s for the 2018–19 season. Personal life Born in Stone, Wilkinson grew up supporting his local side Stoke City. He attended Alleyne's High School from 1997 to 2000. His mother Carolyn worked as a nurse for Douglas Macmillan and his brother Gareth is a solicitor. He has a daughter, Eva and a son, William. Wilkinson married his fiancé Emma on 25 May 2011 at local church of Whitmore parish. Wilkinson and fellow footballer Chris Birchall used to own Zenn nightclub in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, which was closed in July 2008 due to debts. He was best man at Birchall's wedding in June 2012 and is also godfather to his son Ashley. In 2015 Wilkinson set up his own property company which he called, no.28 properties. Career statistics Source: Honours Stoke City Football League Championship runner-up: 2007–08 FA Cup runner-up: 2010–11 References External links Video interview on BBC Sport 1984 births Living people People from Stone, Staffordshire Association football defenders English footballers Stoke City F.C. players Telford United F.C. players Shrewsbury Town F.C. players Partick Thistle F.C. players Blackpool F.C. players Millwall F.C. players Premier League players English Football League players Scottish Football League players National League (English football) players Stoke City F.C. non-playing staff FA Cup Final players