Having returned to semi-professional football, he worked part-time as an electrician. Helliwell took over as caretaker manager at Ilkeston after Keith Alexander resigned in October 2000, and led the team to the first round of the FA Cup before John McGovern was appointed in November. In March 2001, Helliwell was appointed as one of a three-man management team at Ilkeston alongside former Burnley teammate Charlie Bishop and former York teammate Chris Marples.
Having returned to semi-professional football, he worked part-time as an electrician. Helliwell took over as caretaker manager at Ilkeston after Keith Alexander resigned in October 2000, and led the team to the first round of the FA Cup before John McGovern was appointed in November. In March 2001, Helliwell was named one of a three-man management team at Ilkeston alongside former Burnley teammate Charlie Bishop and former York teammate Chris Marples.