In November 2003 Wilkinson joined Conference National side Telford United on an initial one-month loan to gain first team experience. He was sent-off in a 0–0 draw with Shrewsbury in December 2003. Despite this Telford extended his loan to February however he was recalled by Stoke in January. Wilkinson returned to Stoke where he made three appearances in the Football League. These included his league debut against Walsall on 31 January as an 80th-minute substitute for Lewis Neal and his first league start in a 4–1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on 4 May.
