Peter Wilding
Encyclopedia
Peter Wilding is a former professional footballer for Telford United and Shrewsbury Town. Originally a midfielder, Wilding became somewhat of a utility player during his time at Shrewsbury, playing in every position during his six year stay at Gay Meadow
. He played as a goalkeeper when he deputised for the injured Paul Edwards in a match against Torquay United on 18 December 1998.
Wilding spent much of his playing career in the Shrewsbury local leagues, however his good form led him to sign with then Conference National
side Telford United in 1996. After one and a half seasons, Telford manager Jake King was appointed manager at neighbouring Shrewsbury Town, with one of King's first acts as Shrewsbury manager being to sign Wilding from Telford for £10,000 in August 1997.
Wilding was to play under two managers during his stay at Shrewsbury, Jake King, and later Kevin Ratcliffe
. Whilst not one of the big names in the Shrewsbury squad, the hometown player endeared himself to Shrewsbury fans with his dependable, workmanlike performances.
Arguably Wilding's finest season was the 2002-03
season. In the FA Cup third round, Shrewsbury famously defeated Everton
2-1. Whilst Nigel Jemson
grabbed most of the headlines by scoring both goals, Wilding had a superb game, completely marking Wayne Rooney
out of the game. Sadly for Shrewsbury, their form dipped in the latter half of the season, eventually finishing bottom of the Football League Third Division
. Despite this, Wilding was seen as one of the sides best players that season, and escaped much of the intense criticism levelled at some of his 'big name' team mates.
Following relegation, Ratcliffe resigned, and Wilding was one of the few players to be offered a new contract by Ratcliffe's replacement Jimmy Quinn
. Feeling unhappy with the terms of the contract, Wilding opted to reject it, and retired from professional football. Wilding later signed for League of Wales
side Welshpool Town before retiring from football in 2004. He now runs a plastering business in Shrewsbury.
Gay Meadow
The Gay Meadow is the former home ground of Shrewsbury Town FC, a football club in England. It was situated just outside the town centre of Shrewsbury, on the banks of the River Severn and it opened in August 1910....
. He played as a goalkeeper when he deputised for the injured Paul Edwards in a match against Torquay United on 18 December 1998.
Wilding spent much of his playing career in the Shrewsbury local leagues, however his good form led him to sign with then Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
side Telford United in 1996. After one and a half seasons, Telford manager Jake King was appointed manager at neighbouring Shrewsbury Town, with one of King's first acts as Shrewsbury manager being to sign Wilding from Telford for £10,000 in August 1997.
Wilding was to play under two managers during his stay at Shrewsbury, Jake King, and later Kevin Ratcliffe
Kevin Ratcliffe
Kevin Ratcliffe is a former Welsh footballer who spent most of his career playing for Everton. He was born in Mancot, near Queensferry in North Wales.-Club career:...
. Whilst not one of the big names in the Shrewsbury squad, the hometown player endeared himself to Shrewsbury fans with his dependable, workmanlike performances.
Arguably Wilding's finest season was the 2002-03
2002-03 in English football
The 2002-03 season was the 123rd season of competitive football in England.-Most Memorable rise:*Wigan Athletic marked their 25th season of Football League membership by winning the Division Two championship and reaching the league's second tier for the very first time.-Most Memorable...
season. In the FA Cup third round, Shrewsbury famously defeated Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
2-1. Whilst Nigel Jemson
Nigel Jemson
Nigel Jemson is an English footballer, who represented his country at the Under-21 level and was the manager of Ilkeston Town, until May 2008...
grabbed most of the headlines by scoring both goals, Wilding had a superb game, completely marking Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team...
out of the game. Sadly for Shrewsbury, their form dipped in the latter half of the season, eventually finishing bottom of the Football League Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
. Despite this, Wilding was seen as one of the sides best players that season, and escaped much of the intense criticism levelled at some of his 'big name' team mates.
Following relegation, Ratcliffe resigned, and Wilding was one of the few players to be offered a new contract by Ratcliffe's replacement Jimmy Quinn
Jimmy Quinn (Northern Irish footballer)
James Martin "Jimmy" Quinn is a former Northern Ireland international footballer and was manager of Bournemouth.-Club:...
. Feeling unhappy with the terms of the contract, Wilding opted to reject it, and retired from professional football. Wilding later signed for League of Wales
League of Wales
The Welsh Premier League is the national football league for Wales. It has both Professional and Semi-Professional status clubs and is at the top of the Welsh football league system. Prior to 2002, the league was known as the League of Wales, but changed its name as part of a sponsorship deal...
side Welshpool Town before retiring from football in 2004. He now runs a plastering business in Shrewsbury.