DEVA NEWS
DEVA DIARY
FIXTURES AND STATS
MATCH REPORTS
DEVA STADIUM
PLAYERS
EXILES, ISA, TRAVEL GUIDE
CLUB HISTORY
WALLPAPER, LINKS,  SITE MAP
Back Home
CLUB HISTORY
History | Fixtures 1885-2013 | Honours | Records | Colours | Where Are They Now? | Programmes | Miscellaneous | Latest Articles
NIGEL WALKER 1959-2014

Former Chester City player Nigel Walker has died at the age of 54 after a long fight with cancer. The Gateshead-born inside-forward made 41 league appearances in his only season at Sealand Road and the nine goals he scored during that 1984/85 campaign placed him second behind Stuart Rimmer.

Nigel signed as a professional for Newcastle United after leaving school in July 1977 and made his debut, against Bristol City, in a First Division fixture in November the same year. Over the next five years he made 70 league appearances for the Tyneside club before being released at the end of the 1981/82 campaign. During summer 1982 he moved to the USA where he played for San Diego Sockers in the NASL.

On his return to England Nigel signed non-contract forms for Crewe Alexandra and remained a regular in their side until the end of the 1982/83 season. A move to Sunderland followed but after only one substitute appearance he was loaned out to Blackpool. Nigel made a dream debut for the Seasiders, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory against Northampton Town

When Nigel was not offered a new contract by Sunderland he was snapped up by John McGrath and made his league debut for City in the 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe United at Sealand Road in August 1984. Despite a large influx of new signings Chester struggled under McGrath with goalscoring proving a particular problem. After McGrath was sacked in December Mick Speight took over as manager and the introduction of strikers Stuart Rimmer and Ricky Greenhough had a positive impact on Nigel who started to find the net on a regular basis.

Nigel also took over penalty duties from the departing Peter Zelem and his first goal for the club came from the spot in a 2-1 victory over local rivals Wrexham on Boxing Day 1984. He finished the season with a flurry of goals including two against Port Vale and a hat-trick in the 4-4 draw with Swindon Town at the County Ground.

When Harry NcNally took over as manager Nigel returned to the North-East and signed for Hartlepool United where he made 82 appearances prior to being released in summer 1987. He went on to play non-league football for Blyth Spartans and Dunston Federation Brewery while working as a maths teacher.

Chester FC send their condolences to his family and friends.


Chas Sumner [3/2/14]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 1997-2014 Steve Mansley | User Stats | Technical | Webmaster
Back | Top

 

search this site»
email this page
LATEST NEWS
PROMISING DEBUT CUT SHORT
There was a promising debut from Kieran Burton as Chester drew with Curzon Ashton on Saturday.
more »
LAST MATCH
BLUES SUNK BY LATE GOAL
Blow for Chester who are beaten by play-off rivals South Shields who score a late winner.
more »
NEXT MATCH
BUXTON
Chester travel to Buxton on Friday. kick-off 15.00hrs.
Fixtures 2023/24
League table
Chester weather
 
CLUB HISTORY
Everything you need to know about the club’s history, honours, records and kits. Complete list of fixtures from 1885 and much more.
more »
SUPPORTERS
EXILES BLOG
The Exiles have set up a blog to provide away match information and articles for Blues fans living away from Chester. You can read it here
Exiles » | ISA »