Walter Toomer

Walter Edward Toomer (9 February 1883 – 28 December 1962) was an English amateur footballer who played at either right-half or at outside-right for Southampton in the Southern League in the period prior to World War I. By profession he was a schoolteacher before running the family sports outfitters business in Southampton, and later becoming a director of Southampton Football Club.

Early life and education Toomer was born in Southampton, the son of a cricket bat maker and was educated at St John's College, Battersea. He remained in London where he studied to become a teacher, and was on the books of Fulham and Chelsea without making any first-team appearances for Fulham and only playing in one FA Cup tie for Chelsea.

Football career In 1906, he took up a teaching appointment in his home town where he also helped his father run the family sports outfitters business based in London Road. At the same time, he was signed by Southampton Football Club as an amateur player and spent most of his time with the club in the reserves, becoming the reserve-team captain. Although he "performed competently"

Toomer remained with the "Saints" until 1914, when he enlisted in the Royal Artillery. An advertising slogan for the business was still visible on their former premises until 2011, but has now been overpainted.

In May 1950, Toomer was appointed a director of Southampton Football Club, continuing as such until his death.