Gavin Wilkinson


Gavin Wilkinson is a former New Zealand footballer and current GM/President of Soccer for the Portland Timbers. Prior to this position, Wilkinson was manager of Portland Timbers in the United Soccer League before their promotion to Major League Soccer beginning with the 2011 season. As a player, he was known as a strong leader and defender.

International career

He played for the New Zealand national football team, the All Whites and collected 33 caps in official FIFA internationals, scoring 1 goal.

Career

Wilkinson played defense for with the USL Portland Timbers from 2001–2006, adding assistant coach duties in 2005 and 2006. Wilkinson retired as an active player and was named Head Coach and General Manager for Portland Timbers in September 2006. During the 2009 season, he directed the Timbers to the Commissioner's Cup as the regular season champion and a league record 24 game unbeaten string, smashing the previous record of 16.

Manager career

Wilkinson also runs EastSide Timbers FC, a youth soccer club based in Gresham, OR.
On 18 January 2010, Wilkinson was named Technical Director of the expansion Portland Timbers club in Major League Soccer, set to begin play in the 2011 season. He assumed those duties while still coaching the Timbers through the 2010 season.
Gavin not only played for Portland Timbers, but has also played for the New Zealand National Team 40 times in various competitions including World Cup Qualifiers and the Confederations Cup, playing against countries like the United States, Germany & Brazil.

Honours

Player

;Perth Glory
;Portland Timbers
Cascadia Cup : 2012
USL-1 Coach of the Year : 2007, 2009

Managerial stats