He failed to make the grade at three league clubs before drifting into non-league – but came back with a bang as County gained promotion
The versatile striker, who has proved himself capable of playing both out wide and through the middle, was one of the standout players in League Two as Stockport won promotion through the play-offs in the 2007/08 season.
Signed by Jim Gannon from local non-leaguers Atherton Collieries, Pilkington spent time as a youth player with Preston, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers but had since drifted into non-league football. Pilkington made his debut for the club against Wycombe in December 2006 and wrote his name into County folklore by scoring the second goal in Stockport’s 3-2 play-off final triumph over Rochdale at Wembley.