Since joining Stoke, Wilson has shown his versatility and has occupied three positions – centre midfield, right back and due to injury to Danny Higginbotham and Danny Collins in poor form has also played mostly at left back. Wilson played in every FA Cup match, at left back, as Stoke reached the 2011 FA Cup Final. Prior to the final, Wilson was not on the losing side in 14 FA Cup matches. However his run was ended as Stoke lost the final 1–0 to Manchester City. Wilson continued to play at left back during the 2011–12 season and was branded by Tony Pulis as 'Stoke's unsung hero'. Wilson played in 45 matches for Stoke in 2011–12 including six in the UEFA Europa League as Stoke finished in 14th position.