Phil Wilson was one of the two new goalkeepers signed by Wayne Turner at the end of the 2001-2 season to replace two others heading out the door: Paul Wilkerson and Dean Greygoose. Boro’ fans greeted the change with mixed feelings. But most felt the change between the sticks was needed. So, in came Wilson as number two; playing back-up to Mark Westhead at least to start with.
Phil was a young keeper signed from Oxford City. But he did seem very shaky under any sort of pressure – especially from crosses. Many of the Boro’ fans were very unhappy with how he looked during pre-season friendlies; hoping that he just needed to settle in.
First team outings were at a premium here, however; Wilson sitting on the bench nearly every game. But he always delivered the goods when asked. And to his credit nearer the end of his Boro’ career, he twice came on during the second half of games (Yeovil and Swansea) and made match-winning saves. It was at that point that we thought he might just be reaching his potential. Alas, not.
The arrival of Graham Westley as boss saw big changes take place. One of the first new signings was Lionel Perez, who went straight into the squad ahead of Wilson.
Phil Wilson: After Boro’
Now that Westhead took the sub keeper space on the bench, Wilson found himself out of the first team squad. And with Westhead and Perez fighting for the number one shirt, there wasn’t any room for Wilson. The door to the first team closed. So, on 10 March, Phil Wilson moved to Ryman Premier Division outfit Ford United.
Author: Tiny