{{Short description|Singaporean footballer and field hockey player}} {{EngvarB|date=October 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2014}} '''Wilfred James Skinner''', PPA (31 May 1934 – 2 August 2003) was a Singaporean athlete who represented Singapore in football and field hockey.
Skinner was best known as a goalkeeper for the Singapore national football team. At club level, he also played as a forward in addition to his goalkeeping duties for Police Sports Association. He won the 1954 SAFA Challenge Cup with his first club, Rovers Sports Club, and the 1969 President's Cup with Police. Skinner also represented the Singapore state team which participated in Malayan competitions and was part of the Malaya Cup winning teams of 1960, 1964 and 1965. He is widely considered as one of the best goalkeepers to play for Singapore. In a list of ''Singapore's 50 Greatest Athletes of the Century'' by ''The Straits Times'' in 1999, he was ranked 32nd and was the only goalkeeper in the list.
Skinner also represented Police and the Singapore state team in field hockey. He won the 1957 Oehlers Cup and the 1958 Singapore Hockey Association Division One title with Police. At state level, he established himself as a centre-half for Singapore and was national team skipper in the early 1960s and at the 1962 Asian Games. Skinner won the Razak Cup, the Malayan inter-state competition, with Singapore in 1965.
Skinner joined the Police Force after leaving school and rose to the rank of Deputy Superintendent. On 18 July 1974, Skinner was awarded the bronze Pingat Pentadbiran Awam state medal. After 20 years of service in the Police Force, Skinner resigned in late 1974 and emigrated to Canada.
In 2003, he had a heart attack and entered into a coma for two weeks. He died at the age of 69 on 2 August 2003.
== Football career ==
{{Infobox football biography |name = Wilfred Skinner |image = |image_size = |caption = |fullname = Wilfred James Skinner<ref name=obituary>{{cite news|title=Obituary - Wilfred SKINNER|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/vancouversun/obituary.aspx?n=Wilfred-SKINNER&pid=157263805|accessdate=24 October 2014|newspaper=The Vancouver Sun|date=11 August 2003}}</ref> |birth_date = {{birth date|1934|5|31|df=yes}}<ref name=interview62/> |birth_place = Singapore |death_date = {{death date and age|2003|8|2|1934|5|31|df=yes}}<ref name=kraal2/> |death_place = Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<ref name=kraal2/> |height = |position = Goalkeeper, Forward |youthyears1 = 1951 |youthclubs1 = Rovers SC |years1 = 1952–1953 |clubs1 = Rovers 'A' |years2 = 1953–1954 |clubs2 = Rovers SC |years3 = 1954–1967 |clubs3 = Singapore FA |years4 = 1955–1972 |clubs4 = Police SA |nationalyears1 = 1953–1967 |nationalteam1 = Singapore |nationalyears2 = 1963–1964 |nationalteam2 = Malaysia }}
=== Early years ===
Skinner represented Saint Andrew's School in football, hockey and cricket.<ref name=interview62>{{cite news|last1=Kraal|first1=David|title=Skinner - two games for Singapore|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19620325-1.2.138|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=25 March 1962|page=22}}</ref> He grew up near the beach in Kakikal Lane, Katong and would practise diving after imaginary balls on the beach in the mornings and evenings.<ref name=kraal>{{cite news|last1=Kraal|first1=David|title=Skinner – Singapore's greatest goalkeeper|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19991010-1.2.74.1|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=10 October 1999|page=54}}</ref> He played bare-footed for Katong Boys' Club which won the 1950 Singapore Boys' Football Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=Katong Boys In Semi-final|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19500724-1.2.144|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=24 July 1950|page=11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Katong regains Boys soccer title|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/freepress19500823-1.1.11|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press|date=23 August 1950|page=11}}</ref> The Cup win earned Skinner a pair of boots and a place in Saint Andrew's second football team, where he played as a right winger.<ref name=kraal/> He had to play in goal after the team's goalkeeper did not turn up for a match, and his performance earned him promotion to the first team after only two games with the second team.<ref name=kraal/><ref>{{cite news|title=A goalkeeper by chance|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19520317-1.2.134|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=17 March 1952|page=11}}</ref> He also represented the Combined Schools team for five years under honorary coach Choo Seng Quee.<ref name=interview62/><ref>{{cite news|title=Trial School XI win 4-0|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19500324-1.2.170|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=24 March 1950|page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Koh|first1=Peng Long|title=S'pore schoolboys out for revenge|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/freepress19500427-1.2.115|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press|date=27 April 1950|page=7}}</ref><ref name=interview88>{{cite news|last1=Dorai|first1=Joe|title=A Singapore legend takes trip down Memory Lane|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19880306-1.1.24|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=6 March 1988|page=24}}</ref> He was awarded Combined Schools Colours in 1952, 1953 and 1954.<ref>{{cite news|title=Colony's top 17 schools sports stars selected|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19521204-1.2.192|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=4 December 1952|page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=14 March 1953 |title=21 receive colours |page=11 |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19530314-1.2.187 |access-date=30 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Schools stars honoured|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19540324-1.2.203|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=24 March 1954|page=14}}</ref>
=== Club ===
Skinner joined Rovers Sports Club's newly formed junior team in 1951.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rovers go to schools for new talent|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19510614-1.2.173|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 June 1951|page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Juniors are Cup men in the making|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19510615-1.2.160|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=15 June 1951|page=12}}</ref> A year later, he played for Rovers 'A', the second team, which ended runners-up in the 1952 SAFA Third Division.<ref>{{cite news|title=S.A.F.A. forgot to promote Rovers 'A'|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19530310-1.2.148|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=10 March 1953|page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Div. 3 soccer in three sections this season|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19530114-1.2.156|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 January 1953|page=12}}</ref> On 2 May 1953, Skinner made his senior debut for Rovers in a 3–0 win over Pulau Brani United in the First Division.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wilf Skinner shines in Rovers 3-0 win|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19530503-1.2.153|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=3 May 1953|page=19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Wonderful, say the Aussie boys|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19530505-1.2.185|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=5 May 1953|page=12}}</ref> Rovers finished as 1953 First Division runners-up and 1954 SAFA Challenge Cup winners<ref name=ccup54>{{cite news|title=Rovers are Cup champions...|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19541113-1.2.170|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=13 November 1954|page=14}}</ref>
In December 1954, Skinner joined the Police Force and played for Police Sports Association after leaving school.<ref name=interview62/><ref>{{cite news|title=Skinner to miss HK - career first|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19541118-1.2.160|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=18 November 1954|page=13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Soccer begins with Police–C.A. game|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19550304-1.2.230|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=4 March 1955|page=14}}</ref> He was also utilised in a centre or wide forward role throughout his playing career with Police.<ref>{{cite news|title=When thousands flocked to watch matches in an 86-team League|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19910303-1.2.34.2|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=3 March 1991|page=26}}</ref><ref name=seh/> Skinner won the inaugural President's Cup under coach Choo Seng Quee in January 1969.<ref>{{cite news|title=President's Trophy match in S'pore now|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19690103-1.2.116.8|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=3 January 1969|page=19}}</ref><ref name=pcup1969>{{cite news|title=President's Cup goes to Police|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19690112-1.2.128|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=12 January 1969|page=20}}</ref>
Skinner also represented the Singapore state team which participated in Malayan competitions including the Malaya Cup. On 26 June 1960, Skinner received an ovation from the 12,350-strong Jalan Besar crowd for his role in Singapore's 2–1 victory over Malaya Cup holders Selangor; he considered this win to be his most memorable match in a 1988 interview.<ref name=interview88/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Siebel|first1=Norman|title=Skinner stops Selangor|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19600627-1.2.82|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=27 June 1960|page=11}}</ref> Singapore went on to lift the Cup that year.<ref name=mcup60>{{cite news|last1=Siebel|first1=Norman|title=Malaya Cup to Singapore|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19600918-1.2.112|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=18 September 1960|page=20}}</ref> In November 1960, SAFA president Soh Ghee Soon confirmed that Skinner "requested" his withdrawal from the Singapore team that would tour Hong Kong and Saigon as he could not train with the team due to his hockey commitments.<ref>{{cite news|title=Skinner withdraws from tour side|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19601105-1.2.137|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=5 November 1960|page=17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=SAFA won't make overtures to Rahim Omar|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19601111-1.2.139|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=11 November 1960|page=15}}</ref> Skinner quit the Malaya Cup team after he alleged he was unfairly dropped by Soh.<ref>{{cite news|author=B. Norman|title=Soh wanted to drop me from the tour team, says Skinner|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/freepress19601109-1.2.91|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press|date=9 November 1960|page=10}}</ref> He resolved his differences with the SAFA and rejoined the team in late December.<ref>{{cite news|title=SAFA and 'rebels' make peace|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19601228-1.2.117|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=28 December 1960|page=13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=James|first1=Jeffrey|title=Three soccer stars make Christmas visit to Soh|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/freepress19601228-1.2.158|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press|date=28 December 1960|page=14}}</ref> Skinner missed the following season after he left for a four-month training at the Detectives' Training School in Calcutta under a Colombo Plan scholarship in March 1961.<ref name="india">{{cite news |date=10 March 1961 |title=Off to India, Wilf says: It will help my hockey |page=15 |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19610310-1.2.134 |access-date=30 June 2023}}</ref> Singapore won the FAM Cup in 1963 but Skinner did not play in the final. He featured in both finals as Singapore won the Malaya Cup in 1964 and 1965.<ref name=mcup64>{{cite news|last1=Pidgeon|first1=Bob|title=90-minute Malaya Cup thriller|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19640809-1.2.135|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=9 August 1964|page=14}}</ref><ref name=mcup65>{{cite news|last1=Siebel|first1=Norman|title=Singapore's Cup again|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19650801-1.2.41.21|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=1 August 1965|page=20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Siebel|first1=Norman|title=Skinner's 'wonder' saves stand out as gems in sparkling cup final|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19650802-1.2.134.10|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=2 August 1965|page=22}}</ref> Following the 1965 Cup win, he announced his intention to step down from the state team but retracted his decision and was included in the 1966 squad.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dorai|first1=Joe|title=Four S'pore stars call it a day|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19650803-1.1.20|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=3 August 1965|page=20}}</ref> He played in the earlier rounds of the 1967 FAM Cup, which Singapore won, but missed the final due to a neck injury sustained during the Asian Cup qualifiers in March.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dorai|first1=Joe|title=Singapore qualify for final|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19670313-1.2.111|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=13 March 1967|page=20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dorai|first1=Joe|title=Cup double for first time is S'pore target|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19670411-1.2.120|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=11 April 1967|page=17}}</ref> The FAM Cup was Skinner's last involvement with the state team as he was dropped from the 1967 Malaysia Cup (the renamed Malaya Cup) squad with the form of replacement Ahmad Wartam, and the Football Association of Singapore withdrew the team from Malaysia competitions in 1968 and 1969.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dali Omar dropped by Armed Forces|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19670420-1.2.120|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=20 April 1967|page=16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Siebel|first=Norman|title=Break sad but not surprising|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19680517-1.2.157.4|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=17 May 1968|page=22}}</ref>
=== International ===
In 1953, Skinner was called up to the Singapore team in place of first-choice goalkeeper Chu Chee Seng. He made his international debut against Malaya in the annual Sportsmen's Trophy on 13 September.<ref>{{cite news|title=Singapore drop Bakar, Chee Seng|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19530908-1.2.169|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=8 September 1953|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Federation field four subs and win|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19530914-1.2.166|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 September 1953|page=12}}</ref> Skinner also represented Singapore at the 1954 Asian Games.<ref>{{cite news|title=These boys want to give up football|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19540821-1.2.171|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=21 August 1954|page=13}}</ref> On 4 April 1962, he captained Singapore for the first time in a match against Peruvian club Sporting Cristal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Skinner leads Spore|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19620402-1.2.102.7|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=2 April 1962|page=20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=All-S'pore make Peruvians struggle for goals|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19620429-1.2.123|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=29 April 1962|page=20}}</ref>
With the impending merger of Singapore, Malaya, British North Borneo and Sarawak to form Malaysia, Skinner was included in the 18-man Malaysian squad for the Merdeka Tournament in August 1963.<ref>{{cite news|title=Six S'pore players in Malaysia squad|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19630731-1.2.133|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=31 July 1963|page=20}}</ref> He made his debut for Malaysia in a 5–0 loss to South Vietnam on 12 August.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Siebel|first1=Norman|title=Slow, struggling Malaysia|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19630812-1.2.113|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=12 August 1963|page=18}}</ref> Four days later, he skippered the team in place of injured captain Abdul Gani as hosts Malaysia defeated South Korea 3–0.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Siebel|first1=Norman|title=Malaysia first to humble mighty Koreans|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19630817-1.2.138|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=17 August 1963|page=20}}</ref> Skinner also featured for Malaysia in the 1964 Merdeka Tournament.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gabrielle to miss first game v Thais|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19640820-1.2.123.4|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=20 August 1964|page=17}}</ref>
In December 1965, Skinner represented the newly independent nation of Singapore at the 1965 Southeast Asian Peninsular Games.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dorai|first1=Joe|last2=Frida|first2=Ernest|title=S'pore bank on Malaya Cup winning team|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19651105-1.2.120.2|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=5 November 1965|page=23}}</ref> He was selected in the Singapore squad for the 1966 Merdeka Tournament.<ref>{{cite news|title=Singapore name 17 for Merdeka Tournament|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19660805-1.2.146.2|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=5 August 1966|page=19}}</ref> Skinner's last international assignment was the 1968 Asian Cup qualification in Hong Kong in March 1967.<ref>{{cite news|title=Incentive award from today|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19670312-1.2.55.12|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=12 March 1967|page=18}}</ref> In September, national coach Choo Seng Quee's request to recall Skinner for the up-coming Southeast Asian Peninsular Games was rejected by the Football Association of Singapore and he was not included in the shortlist of players.<ref>{{cite news|title=Choo wants Skinner back in Games squad|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19670905-1.2.135.6|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=5 September 1967|page=21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dorai|first1=Joe|title=32 in Singapore squad|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19670914-1.2.135.1|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 September 1967|page=23}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Dorai|first1=Joe|title=Nine dropped from Seap Games training squad|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19671004-1.2.122.2|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=4 October 1967|page=19}}</ref> The FAS decision eventually proved irrelevant as the football team dropped from the Games contingent by the National Sports Council Board in November.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Frida|first1=Ernest|title=S'pore axe four for Seap|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19671103-1.2.109.3|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=3 November 1967|page=21}}</ref>
{{Cquote|(Skinner) was the most impressive I have seen up to this stage of the tour. He robbed us of at least four more certain goals. I will not hesitate to say that he is good enough for any leading English First Division side. No matter where he plays, whether in Manchester or Liverpool, he is going to stand between the same posts as in Singapore. If as an amateur he could show such good potentialities, he will be even better as a professional.<br>{{align|right|– Fulham manager, Vic Buckingham, June 1966<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dorai|first1=Joe|title=Skinner good for English Div 1 - Vic|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19660606-1.2.123|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=6 June 1966|page=19}}</ref>}}}}
Skinner is widely considered as one of the best goalkeepers to play for Singapore.<ref name=kraal/><ref name=seh>{{cite news|last1=Seh|first1=Jerry|title=Seh: Legendary Chu is my all-time great|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19970225-1.2.46.4|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=25 February 1997|page=31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Robert|first1=Godfrey|title=These Lions are World-Cup class|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19991114-1.1.52|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 November 1999|page=52}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Nair|first1=Suresh|title=When goalies were stars|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/newpaper20010610-1.2.57.7|newspaper=The New Paper|date=10 June 2001|page=51}}</ref> He was ranked 32nd in a list of ''Singapore's 50 Greatest Athletes of the Century'' by ''The Straits Times'' in 1999 and was the only goalkeeper in the list.<ref>{{cite news|title=Here's the full list|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19991219-1.2.64.5.3|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=19 December 1999|page=52}}</ref>
== Hockey career ==
{{Infobox field hockey player |name = Wilfred Skinner |image = |fullname = Wilfred James Skinner |birth_date = {{birth date|1934|5|31|df=yes}} |birth_place = Singapore |death_date = {{death date and age|2003|8|2|1934|5|31|df=yes}} |death_place = Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |height = |position = Centre-half |years1 = 1954–1972 |clubs1 = Police SA |nationalyears1 = 1959–1965 |nationalteam1 = Singapore |nationalcaps(goals)1 = }}
=== Club ===
Skinner joined Police Sports Association's hockey team when he entered the Police Force in December 1954.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Marks|first1=John|title=New men just right for Police hockey|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19541104-1.2.202|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=4 November 1954|page=14}}</ref> He played alongside Percy Pennefather, captain of Police SA and the national hockey team at the 1956 Olympic Games, and national football team captain Lee Kok Seng. Police reached their first Oehlers Cup final, Singapore Hockey Association's senior knockout tournament, in 1956 but lost 3–2 to University of Malaya.<ref>{{cite news|title=Police and Varsity meet in senior K.O. final today|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19560228-1.2.152|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=28 February 1956|page=14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ang|first1=Kam Hock|title=Inspired Varsity set the pace|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19560229-1.2.169|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=29 February 1956|page=14}}</ref> On 1 March 1957, Police defeated holders University of Malaya 2–0 in the semi-final of the Oehlers Cup after three replays.<ref>{{cite news|title=The hockey marathon is over: Police for final|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19570302-1.2.154|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=2 March 1957|page=13}}</ref> Five days later, Police claimed their first trophy with a 2–0 victory over Singapore Recreation Club "Reds" in the final.<ref name="oc57">{{cite news |date=7 March 1957 |title=Police win the Oehlers Cup |page=16 |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19570307-1.2.149 |access-date=30 June 2023 |via=NewspaperSG}}</ref> Skinner also won the SHA Division One title with Police in 1958.<ref name=sha58>{{cite news|title=Police take league title with three Pennefather goals|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19581214-1.2.147|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 December 1958|page=27}}</ref>
=== International ===
In October 1959, right-half Skinner received his first call-up to the Singapore state hockey team for the Malaya Hockey Federation (MHF) inter-state quadrangular.<ref>{{cite news|title=SHA pick four newcomers for 'Quad'|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19591019-1.2.106|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=19 October 1959|page=15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Quad title to S'pore - defenders in top form|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19591026-1.2.90|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=26 October 1959|page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Siebel|first1=Norman|title=A busy day for Frida and Wilf - and so important too|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19591115-1.2.101|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=15 November 1959|page=23}}</ref> He made his international debut in a 2–0 win over Malaya on 28 November 1959.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Teoh|first1=Eng Tatt|title=SHA hopes to reap harvest|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19591128-1.2.119|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=28 November 1959|page=17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=F. Salahudin|title=Singapore gain first international win|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19591129-1.2.122|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=29 November 1959|page=23}}</ref> By the early 1960s, Skinner established himself as Singapore's regular centre-half and skipper.<ref name=interview62/><ref name=india/><ref>{{cite news|title=Vote now to elect Singapore champ for 1961|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/freepress19611222-1.2.106|newspaper=The Singapore Free Press|date=22 December 1961|page=14}}</ref><ref name=quitpolice/> He captained Singapore at the 1962 Asian Games.<ref>{{cite news|title=SHA name 16 players for the A-Games|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19620801-1.2.141.2|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=1 August 1962|page=19}}</ref>
In October 1961, the MHF approved Singapore's return to the Pan-Malayan inter-state championship.<ref>{{cite news|title=Players welcome choice of Coutts|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19611031-1.2.152|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=31 October 1961|page=19}}</ref> Singapore lost 3–0 to Selangor in the 1962 inter-state final.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sabapathy's goal cracks Singapore after 42 minutes|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19621203-1.2.134|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=3 December 1962|page=20}}</ref> In 1963, the MHF inter-state competition underwent a change in format to a Cup competition and was renamed the Razak Cup.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Siebel|first1=Norman|title=Tournament for Razak Cup will boost hockey|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19620613-1.2.117.6|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=13 June 1962|page=19}}</ref> Skinner won the 1965 edition with Singapore.<ref name=rcup65>{{cite news|title=Singapore continue reign as Malaysian hockey champions|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19650117-1.1.12|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=17 January 1965|page=12}}</ref>
== Personal life ==
Skinner joined the Police Force after graduating from school in December 1954. He rose to the rank of Deputy Superintendent on 18 July 1974.<ref >{{cite news|title=Police PR Wong among 36 'new-style' officers promoted|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19710404-1.2.3|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=4 April 1971|page=1}}</ref> In August 1974, Skinner was awarded the bronze Pingat Pentadbiran Awam state medal.<ref name=ppa>{{cite news|title=National Day honours for 332|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/straitstimes19740809-1.1.7|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=9 August 1974|page=7}}</ref> After 20 years of service in the Police Force, Skinner resigned in late December 1974 and emigrated to Canada, where he worked as a handyman.<ref name=interview88/><ref name="quitpolice">{{cite news |date=28 December 1974 |title=Skinner quits Police Force |page=9 |newspaper=The Straits Times |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19741228-1.2.63 |access-date=30 June 2023 |via=NewspaperSG}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=A line from Skinner|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes19780309-1.2.110.2|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=9 March 1978|page=23}}</ref>
Skinner married his wife Moira on 6 May 1967; they have a son.<ref name=kraal/><ref name=interview88/>
== Death ==
Skinner died at the age of 69 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on 2 August 2003. He had been in a coma for two weeks after suffering a heart attack.<ref name=kraal2>{{cite news|last1=Kraal|first1=David|title=Skinner the legend dies|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/straitstimes20030804-1.2.45.16|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=4 August 2003|page=9}}</ref>
== Honours == {{col-start}} {{col-3}}
=== Football ===
'''Rovers''' * SAFA Challenge Cup: 1954<ref name=ccup54/>
'''Police''' * President's Cup: 1969<ref name=pcup1969/>
'''Singapore FA''' * Malaya Cup: 1960, 1964, 1965<ref name=mcup60/><ref name=mcup64/><ref name=mcup65/>
{{col-3}}
=== Hockey ===
'''Police''' * SHA Division One: 1958<ref name=sha58/> * Oehlers Cup: 1957<ref name=oc57/>
'''Singapore''' * Razak Cup: 1965<ref name=rcup65/>
{{col-3}}
=== Civil ===
* Pingat Pentadbiran Awam, Bronze: 1974<ref name=ppa/> {{col-end}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Skinner, Wilfred}} Category:1934 births Category:2003 deaths Category:Singaporean men's footballers Category:Singapore men's international footballers Category:Men's association football goalkeepers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Lion City Sailors FC players Category:Singapore FA players Category:Singaporean men's field hockey players Category:Field hockey players at the 1962 Asian Games Category:Asian Games footballers for Singapore Category:Saint Andrew's School, Singapore alumni Category:Singaporean emigrants to Canada Category:Malaysia men's international footballers Category:Recipients of the Pingat Pentadbiran Awam