Silkmen add a tower to the back-line: Fans’ views on Tom Wilson
King’s Lynn Supporters’ Player of the Year arrives
Macclesfield have bolstered their central defensive ranks with the signing of Tom Wilson following a successful trial period. Wilson is a 6’5 aerially dominant defender who has made over 80 appearances for King’s Lynn in the last two seasons.
Having chosen to leave Lynn after being named their Supporters’ Player of the Season, Wilson is believed to have attracted interest from National League and Football League clubs, including Hartlepool, Woking, Tamworth, Colchester, Newport and Barnsley.
But it’s Macclesfield who have moved decisively to capture the defender’s signature, offering him a contract after Wilson impressed in three 45-minute appearances against Cheadle Town, Leek Town and a youthful Wolves X1 at the weekend. Wilson, who turned 25 in May, has looked composed at the back and shown an excellent passing range in his cameo roles for the Silkmen thus far.
A colossal signing
Manager John Rooney desperately needed to add more steel to Macclesfield’s backline following the departures of Rollin Menayese and Lewis Fensome, leaving only Sam Heathcote and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson as recognised centre backs in the squad.
But moreover, the Silkmen conceded 68 goals in 46 league games last season, only the joint 11th best in the National League North, whilst keeping just 8 clean sheets, the joint 15th worst in the division. In contrast, King’s Lynn only stayed up on goal difference but still managed to register 13 clean sheets and concede 4 fewer goals than Macclesfield with Wilson as a mainstay at the back.
Released by Sheffield United as a youngster, Wilson worked his way-up the non-league pyramid catching the eye for Hallam, Belper and Stalybridge which earned hm a move to FC Halifax Town in the National League. However, Wilson was restricted to limited opportunities at the Shay and elected to join King’s Lynn for the 2024-25 season as the Linnett’s finished in the play-offs before losing to Chorley in their eliminator.
During his time with King’s Lynn, Wilson has shown to be a commanding, non-nonsense centre back who is also vocal. Good in the air but equally comfortable on the deck with both feet, Tom is proven playing in a back four or in a back three. In other words, he’s exactly what Rooney has been looking for with his best years ahead of him.
Wilson’s whole-hearted aggression should make him popular with Silkmen fans. But he’ll need to channel that appropriately having collected 11 yellow cards last season. And given his 6’5 frame, Wilson should chip in with more goals having only scored once for King’s Lynn.
The Silkmen’s recruitment manifesto delivers again
Apart from that, Wilson ticks nearly every box and should be an excellent addition to Macclesfield’s rearguard which has also been boosted by the signings of goalkeeper Christian Dibble and full-backs Lincoln McFayden and Amar Dyer.
Wilson becomes Macclesfield’s seventh signing of the close season, which has also seen the additions of George Wilson, Fin Shrimpton and Jonathan Ustabasi. Another proven National League North operator, a standout performer at his previous club at the right age with the potential to play higher. John Rooney, Francis Jeffers and Jonathan Bull have played another blinder here in their ‘quality over quantity’ recruitment manifesto.
But don’t take their word for it in isolation. Have a read of the below Kings’ Lynn supporters’ views on Tom Wilson if you need further convincing.
King’s Lynn fans’ views on Tom Wilson
“Don’t blame him (for leaving). He’s off to a higher league for sure”
“He might as well take his 15 bookings with him also”
“Tom, thanks for everything. A one hundred percenter”
“Thanks for everything, Tom. Brilliant player and I’m sure you’ll get a well deserved move up the leagues”
“Great for Lynn. Always gave it everything and will be missed by all”
“Brilliant player for Lynn – one of the best and consistent players to grace The Walks in the last few years. Deserves to play in the Football League”
“Good luck to him. Personally think he’ll go to a National League club. He’s good enough”
“No surprise (he’s leaving) Lynn only just managed to keep him last season”
“Massive blow. Eventually Football League bound”
“Sad news but he’s too good for this level. He’ll get picked up by a bigger club”
“Big loss. Lad’s got a bright future”
“Gutted. If I were Tom I certainly would not be staying – National League or League 2 I would say”
“Very sad but completely understandable. Could easily be playing League football”
“Everyone’s worst fear has become a reality”
“He really f*****g hated losing. Going to be a big miss”
“I’m gutted Tom’s leaving and think he could play National League or even League Two. He was my player of the year and I’m surprised he stayed on last term. I now won’t be buying a season ticket for definite”
“Not surprised. Obviously a talented young lad with ambition”
“Impressive player even though still learning his trade, and consistently one of our best performers”
“Such a good player and such a good teammate to the squad”
“Bloody well deserved (Supporters’ Player of the Season award). He’s been immense at the back”
“Been consistent all season”
“Tom ‘the brick wall’ Wilson. Absolute baller”