Born: 13 November 1871

Born in: Uphall

Died: 23 January 1907

Other clubs: Cardross Swifts, Broxburn Athletic, Broxburn, Leith Athletic (1892-97), Leith Athletic (2 / 1898-1907)

Signed from: Leith Athletic

Joined Liverpool: 02.05.1897

Debut: 04 Sep 1897

Final appearance: 01 Jan 1898

Debut goal: 04 Sep 1897

Last goal: 25 Sep 1897

Contract until: 25 August 1898

League: Apps / Goals: 12 / 3

All Competitions: Apps / Goals: 12 / 3

Player Profile

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.