 Wilson was born in Scunthorpe and began his career as a trainee with Manchester United, turning professional in August 1997.He joined Wrexham on loan in February 1998 until the end of that season and made his league debut for Wrexham on 24 February 1998 when he came on as a 38th-minute substitute for injured goalkeeper Mark Cartwright in the game away to Burnley.With the score at 1–1 and no reserve keeper on the bench, midfielder Gareth Owen went in goal and Wrexham went on to win with Wilson scoring the winner.