William Walker

Inside-forward Willie Walker was a regular in Liverpool’s side in September and October of the 1897/98 season. During his brief stay with the club the transfer system came into operation, and a sum of £100 was put on his head. Through a singular mistake in the list which Liverpool sent to F.A. headquarters his name read “J. Walker” instead of “W. Walker”. It was only a slip, but the wrong initial was made to stand, and the Scotsman was allowed to join his old club, Leith Athletic, for free!

Walker tragically died following an incident in a game. On 12 January 1907 he played inside-right in Leith Athletic’s match against Vale of Leven at Logie Green, Edinburgh. While Walker was shooting for goal, Barr, one of the Leven backs, put up his foot to stop the ball, but struck Walker on the stomach. Walker went off the field but resumed for a few minutes. At the end of the game Walker went to hospital where he was kept a week. He was discharged as he seemed to be recovering but soon returned to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he passed away the following day on 23 January 1907.