Jason Wilcox has experienced the Premier League from two very different perspectives.
As a player, he supplied goals and assists from the left wing for Blackburn Rovers’ title-winning team before later representing Leeds United. Away from the pitch, he built a second career in youth development, academy management and football operations.
That journey eventually took him to Manchester United, where he is now the director of football and one of the most influential decision-makers at the club.
His route to Old Trafford was not based solely on his reputation as a former player. It was built during more than a decade at Manchester City, followed by a shorter but significant spell as Southampton’s director of football.
Blackburn gave Wilcox his opportunity
Wilcox was born in Farnworth, near Bolton, in July 1971.
His route into professional football began when his father contacted Blackburn Rovers to request a trial. Wilcox impressed sufficiently to join the club’s youth system as a teenager and made his first-team debut in 1989.
Blackburn were then outside the top division, but the club’s position changed dramatically after local businessman Jack Walker completed his takeover.
Investment in the squad brought players including Alan Shearer, Chris Sutton, Tim Flowers, Graeme Le Saux and Stuart Ripley to Ewood Park. Kenny Dalglish was appointed as manager, and Blackburn became one of Manchester United’s main rivals during the opening years of the Premier League.
Wilcox developed into an important part of that team.
An effective left winger
Wilcox was a traditional left-sided midfielder who combined direct running with a reliable supply of crosses.
He gave Blackburn balance. Ripley operated from the right, while Wilcox attacked from the opposite side. Shearer and Sutton benefited from the service provided by the two wide players.
Le Saux’s overlapping runs from left-back also created an effective partnership. Wilcox could remain wide, move inside or allow Le Saux to advance beyond him.
His work was not restricted to attacking. Playing in a conventional 4-4-2 meant he was also expected to recover into midfield…
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