Non League legend Mark ‘Willy’ Wilson is making his 1000th career appearance tomorrow
Mark ‘Willy’ Wilson is all set for an emotional afternoon tomorrow as his “mentor” Ronnie Glavin is to present him with commemorative shirt prior to his landmark 1000th career appearance.
Non League legend Wilson will make his long-awaited 1000th appearance when Worsbrough Bridge host East Yorkshire Carnegie.
Glavin signed Wilson four times during his managerial career – twice with Emley and once with Worksop Town and Frickley Athletic. During his first stint with Emley, Wilson played under Glavin during the famous FA Cup third round tie at West Ham in 1998.
“He’s my mentor, I owe him a lot and I’m honoured that he will be there for my 1000th game,” Wilson told Non League Yorkshire.
“Everything I know about football, he taught me. The knowledge I pass onto the younger lads comes from him originally.”
Wilson, 46, began his Non League career in 1992 with Frickley. He has since gone onto be a popular player for a host of clubs including Bradford (Park Avenue) – three times – Ossett Town, Ossett Albion, Harrogate Town, Shepshed Dynamo, Glapwell, Buxton, among others.
Worsbrough are making a big thing about the occasion and there will a special £1 programme full of Willy’s stories from his playing career.
To read his recent interview with the Barnsley Chronicle, click HERE.
You can also read some of his funny stories in an interview with NLY in 2013 when he made his 900th career appearance whilst playing for Emley HERE.
One thing that is not well known is that he wrote and starred in a short comedy sketch (co-directed with NLY’s James Grayson) which was made to mark Barnsley legend Neil Redfearn’s 1000th career appearance back in 2006 when the pair were playing together at Bradford (Park Avenue).
It is not known if Redfearn is returning the favour tomorrow.