Jimmy Gilligan

Jimmy Gilligan was born in Hammersmith on 24 January 1964 and began his football career as an apprentice at Watford, having joined the club at the age of 13.

He went on to play for several clubs, including Grimsby Town, Swindon Town, Newport County on loan, Lincoln City, Cardiff City, Portsmouth and Swansea City, before a serious injury brought an end to his league playing career.

Gilligan returned to Watford in 1993 as a youth coach and later became Assistant Academy Director. He eventually left the club to join Nottingham Forest alongside manager David Platt, taking on the role of reserve team manager.

In February 2003, Gilligan was appointed Technical Director at Wimbledon by manager Stuart Murdoch, with the pair having developed a close friendship during their coaching days at Watford.

As Wimbledon faced growing financial difficulties and the proposed move to Milton Keynes, Gilligan followed the club and progressed through the coaching structure at Milton Keynes Dons, becoming Assistant Manager to Murdoch.

Following Murdoch’s dismissal in November 2004, Gilligan took temporary charge of the team until Danny Wilson was appointed manager in December. Gilligan left the club shortly afterwards.

Upon leaving MK Dons, Gilligan has held roles at Nottingham Forest and the Nike Academy.