Tommy Walker

Thomas Jackson Walker (14 November 1923 – 13 June 2005) was an English centre-half who also played as an outside-right. He spent the first twelve years of his career playing for Newcastle United before moving to Oldham Athletic and Chesterfield. Despite his success at club level he was not selected to play for the England national team. He was often overshadowed by the big reputations of teammates such as Jackie Milburn, George Robledo and Bobby Mitchell.

Career Before Walker became a footballer he was a champion professional sprinter.

Newcastle United He was recruited by his local club Newcastle United from Netherton Juniors in 1941, at a time when competitive football had been suspended due to World War II. However the club played in the wartime leagues and Walker was able to make 29 appearances. He also appeared as a guest player for West Ham United later in World War II. He made his Football League debut on 11 October 1946 against Coventry City. During his first season he made a total of 9 appearances. The following season he played only 8 matches, scoring 3 goals, as Newcastle won promotion into the First Division. He suffered a broken arm which kept him out of action for several months.

Personal life Walker married Lily and they had a son together, Thomas. He also had two grandchildren, Richard and Andrew. 1951–52