Jason Walker (footballer)

For the musician, see Jason Walker (musician).
Jason Walker

Walker with the parade that followed York City's victory in the 2012 Conference Premier play-off Final
Personal information
Full nameJason Walker[1]
Date of birth21 February 1984[1]
Place of birthBarrow-in-Furness, England
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[2]
Playing positionStriker
Club information
Current team
Barrow
Youth career
2000–2004Dundee
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2004–2007Greenock Morton75(12)
2007Morecambe5(0)
2007–2011Barrow140(46)
2010–2011→ Luton Town (loan)3(1)
2011Luton Town17(3)
2011–2013York City73(27)
2013Östersunds FK11(1)
2014Forest Green Rovers3(0)
2014→ Southport (loan)10(6)
2014–Barrow32(14)
National team
2009England C1(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 15:05, 20 March 2015 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).

Jason Walker (born 21 February 1984) is an English semi-professional footballer who plays for Barrow as a striker. He previously played for Dundee, Greenock Morton, Morecambe, Barrow, Luton Town and York City, Östersunds FK, Forest Green Rovers and Southport.

Club career

Early career

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, Walker grew in Flookburgh and attended Cartmel Priory School.[3][4] He was playing for Cartmel in the North Lancashire and District Football League at the age of 16 when he was spotted by a Dundee scout.[4] He signed for the Scottish Premier League team's youth system on a two-year scholarship straight from school after playing three games on trial.[4][5] He then had two years on a professional contract before being released in May 2004 with the club in administration, bringing to an end four years with Dundee.[5][6] He subsequently joined Scottish Second Division side Greenock Morton in July 2004.[7] He left the club and signed for Conference National side Morecambe in January 2007 after training with the team.[8] He scored in the 90th minute on his first team debut, a 5–0 victory at home to Mangotsfield United in the FA Trophy second round on 13 January 2007, after entering the match as a 65th minute substitute.[9] Following the game, manager Sammy McIlroy said "Jason took his goal really well. He could be a good asset for us".[10]

Barrow

Walker was released by Morecambe on 8 March 2007 and one day later signed for Conference North side Barrow.[11] He scored 13 goals in 48 games in the 2007–08 season as Barrow won promotion to the Conference Premier via the Conference North play-offs.[12] In the 2008–09 season he was Barrow's top scorer with 12 goals in the league, and scored Barrow's goal in their 2–1 defeat by Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round.[13]

Walker playing for Barrow in 2008

Walker was allowed to go on trial with Championship side Doncaster Rovers in July 2009, having impressed their manager Sean O'Driscoll in a pre-season friendly against his side.[14] However, despite Walker scoring in two trial games, Doncaster did not follow up their interest and he returned to Barrow for the 2009–10 season.[15]

On 20 March 2010, Walker scored twice as Barrow beat Salisbury City 2–1 in the second leg of the FA Trophy semi-final, which gave Barrow a 3–1 win on aggregate and therefore progression to the Final at Wembley Stadium.[16] Barrow faced Conference Premier champions Stevenage Borough in the Final on 8 May 2010 and Walker scored the winning goal with a 25 yard "wonder strike" in a 2–1 victory after extra time.[17][18]

Luton Town

Walker signed for fellow Conference Premier side Luton Town on 17 November 2010, initially on loan, with a view to a permanent transfer in January 2011.[19] He scored on his Luton debut with a header from Matthew Barnes-Homer's cross and earlier in the match assisted a Jake Howells goal in a 5–1 win at home to Histon on 20 November 2010.[20]

The permanent switch for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £45,000, was completed on 5 January 2011, with Walker signing a one-and-a-half-year contract.[19][21][22] His final act as a Luton player was to miss a crucial penalty kick in the 2011 Conference Premier play-off Final penalty shoot-out defeat to AFC Wimbledon at the City of Manchester Stadium on 21 May 2011, with his chipped effort being saved by goalkeeper Seb Brown.[23] He finished the season with six goals in 29 appearances for Luton.[24]

York City

Walker playing for York City in 2011

Eight months after joining Luton, Walker signed for Conference Premier rivals York City on a two-year contract on 16 June 2011, with the officially undisclosed fee being revealed by Luton as £60,000.[25][26] He scored a penalty and a 90th minute winning goal with a header on his debut, a 2–1 victory away at Ebbsfleet United in the opening game of the 2011–12 season on 13 August 2011.[27] Walker was handed a three-match suspension after being red carded during a 0–0 draw away at former club Barrow on 19 November 2011 for a tackle on Jason Owen during stoppage time.[28][29] Walker won a second FA Trophy in the 2012 Final with York at Wembley on 12 May 2012, in which the side beat Newport County 2–0.[30] Eight days later he played in the 2–1 victory over his former club Luton in the 2012 Conference Premier play-off Final at Wembley, seeing York return to the Football League after an eight-year absence with promotion to League Two.[30]

Walker started York's game away at League One Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup first round in the opening game of the 2012–13 season on 11 August 2012, which the side lost 4–2 in a penalty shoot-out following a 1–1 draw after extra time.[31] After converting Jonathan Smith's header, his first goal of the season came in the following game, a 3–1 defeat at home to Wycombe Wanderers on 18 August 2012, which was York's first Football League fixture since their promotion.[32] He completed the season having scored nine goals in 48 games before being released by York on 29 April 2013.[31][33]

Östersunds FK

Walker signed for Swedish Superettan side Östersunds FK on 1 July 2013 and made his debut in a 2–0 away defeat to Falkenbergs FF on 20 July.[2][34]

Forest Green Rovers

Walker joined Forest Green Rovers in the Conference Premier on 22 January 2014, signing a contract until the end of the 2013–14 season.[35] He made his debut for the club on 25 January 2014, coming on as a substitute for Lee Hughes on 86 minutes in a 3–0 home win against Chester.[2] After making two appearances for Forest Green, Walker signed for Conference Premier rivals Southport on 27 February 2014, on a loan deal until 26 March.[36] He scored on his debut, in a 3–0 home win over Dartford on 1 March 2013.[2] On 24 March 2014, it was announced that Walker had extended his loan with Southport until the end of the season. After scoring 6 times in 10 appearances for Southport, he was recalled by Forest Green on 20 April 2014 after an injury crisis at the club.[37] On 28 April 2014, it was announced that he had been released by Forest Green.[38]

Return to Barrow

Walker rejoined Barrow on a three-year contract on 19 May 2014, with the club by this time playing in the Conference North.[3]

International career

Walker became the first Barrow player since the early 1990s to earn a call-up to the England C team after being included in the squad to face the Malta under-21 team in February 2009.[39] He started the game alongside Barrow teammate Paul Brown, with England winning the match 4–0, although he was substituted at half time for Adam Boyes.[40]

Career statistics

Walker playing for York City in 2011
As of match played 15 November 2014.
Club statistics
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Greenock Morton 2004–05[41] Scottish Second Division 27732201[lower-alpha 1]0339
2005–06[42] Scottish Second Division 35521105[lower-alpha 1]2438
2006–07[43] Scottish Second Division 13010002[lower-alpha 1]0160
Total 75126330829217
Morecambe 2006–07[9] Conference National 50——2[lower-alpha 2]171
Barrow 2006–07[44] Conference North 80———80
2007–08[12] Conference North 37931—8[lower-alpha 3]34813
2008–09[45] Conference Premier 411251—5[lower-alpha 4]55118
2009–10[46] Conference Premier 361452—8[lower-alpha 2]64922
2010–11[24] Conference Premier 181110——1911
Total 14046144—211417564
Luton Town (loan) 2010–11[24] Conference Premier 31——2[lower-alpha 2]152
Luton Town 2010–11[24] Conference Premier 173——7[lower-alpha 5]1244
York City 2011–12[30] Conference Premier 301800—9[lower-alpha 6]03918
2012–13[31] League Two 43920102[lower-alpha 7]0489
Total 732720101108727
Östersunds FK 2013[2] Superettan 11111——122
Forest Green Rovers 2013–14[2] Conference Premier 30———30
Southport (loan) 2013–14[2] Conference Premier 106———106
Barrow 2014–15[2] Conference North 16900—00169
Career total 3533104238405119431131
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Appearance(s) in Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Appearances in FA Trophy
  3. ↑ Four appearances and three goals in Conference League Cup, one appearance in FA Trophy, three appearances in Conference North play-offs
  4. ↑ Three appearances and four goals in Conference League Cup, two appearances and one goal in FA Trophy
  5. ↑ Four appearances in FA Trophy, three appearances and one goal in Conference Premier play-offs
  6. ↑ Six appearances in FA Trophy, three in Conference Premier play-offs
  7. ↑ Appearances in Football League Trophy

Honours

Greenock Morton

Barrow

York City

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Brown, Tony; Joyce, Michael; Longbottom, David, eds. (2013). English National Football Archive Yearbook 2013. Tony Brown. p. 161. ISBN 978-1-905891-62-7.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "J. Walker". Soccerway. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Exclusive: FA Trophy hero Walker returns to Barrow AFC". North-West Evening Mail (Barrow-in-Furness). 19 May 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Walker takes Stanley Road". North-West Evening Mail (Barrow-in-Furness). 12 July 2006. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Dundee's loss is Morton's gain". Greenock Telegraph. 5 August 2004. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  6. ↑ "Mixed news for Dees youths". BBC Sport. 13 May 2004. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
  7. ↑ "Jason Walker". 11v11. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  8. ↑ Hewitt, Steven (3 January 2007). "Shrimps set to sign striker". The Visitor (Morecambe). Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Season 2006/2007:". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
    "Shrimps ease through". The Visitor (Morecambe). 15 January 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
    "Morecambe 1–1 Stevenage Boro". The Visitor (Morecambe). 5 February 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  10. ↑ "Shrimps' Roberto Carlos finds net". The Visitor (Morecambe). 17 January 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  11. ↑ "Can Walker be next Cowps?". North-West Evening Mail (Barrow-in-Furness). 10 March 2007. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Williams, Mike; Williams, Tony, eds. (2008). Non-League Club Directory 2009. Tony Williams Publications. pp. 36–37. ISBN 978-1-869833-59-6.
  13. ↑ "Review of season: Walker's goal to cherish". North-West Evening Mail (Barrow-in-Furness). 4 May 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  14. ↑ "AFC's Walker offered Doncaster trial". North-West Evening Mail (Barrow-in-Furness). 20 July 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  15. ↑ "Walker firmly a Bluebird". North-West Evening Mail (Barrow-in-Furness). 4 August 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  16. ↑ "Barrow 2–1 Salisbury City (agg 3–1)". BBC Sport. 20 March 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Barrow 2–1 Stevenage (aet)". BBC Sport. 8 May 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
  18. ↑ "Barrow AFC win FA Trophy at Wembley". North-West Evening Mail (Barrow-in-Furness). 10 May 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Luton Town swoop for frontman Jason Walker". BBC Sport. 18 November 2010. Retrieved 31 July 2011.
  20. ↑ "Luton Town vs Histon". Luton Town F.C. 20 November 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  21. ↑ "AFC snap up England C striker". North-West Evening Mail (Barrow-in-Furness). 20 November 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  22. ↑ "Loans turn permanent". Luton Town F.C. 5 January 2011. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  23. ↑ Marshall, Steve (21 May 2011). "AFC Wimbledon 0–0 Luton Town (4–3 on pens)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Season 2010/2011:". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
    "FA Cup – fourth qualifying round results and scorers". BBC Sport. 27 October 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
    Ryan, Ian (12 December 2010). "Hatters fail to get off the ground against Wings". Bedfordshire on Sunday (Bedford). Retrieved 21 June 2011.
    Bazeley, Marc (14 December 2010). "Late Lawless strike sends Luton through". Bedfordshire on Sunday (Bedford). Retrieved 31 July 2011.
    Ryan, Ian (15 January 2011). "Watkins and Atieno double up in cup cruise for Hatters". Bedfordshire on Sunday (Bedford). Retrieved 21 June 2011.
    Cunliffe, James (4 February 2011). "Graham grabs late winner to tame Tigers". Bedfordshire on Sunday (Bedford). Retrieved 21 June 2011.
    "Guiseley vs Luton Town". Luton Town F.C. 26 February 2011. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
    "Luton Town vs Mansfield Town". Luton Town F.C. 19 March 2011. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
  25. ↑ Flett, Dave (17 June 2011). "York City land Luton Town striker Jason Walker". The Press (York). Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  26. ↑ Flett, Dave (18 June 2011). "Striker Jason Walker predicts bright future for ambitious York City". The Press (York). Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  27. ↑ "Ebbsfleet Utd 1–2 York City". BBC Sport. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  28. ↑ Flett, Dave (22 November 2011). "No red card appeal for York City's Jason Walker and Andre Boucaud". The Press (York). Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  29. ↑ Carroll, Steve (21 November 2011). "York City manager Gary Mills to study red card video evidence". The Press (York). Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 Appearances and goals for this season are taken from:
    "Games played by Jason Walker in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
    Flett, Dave (12 December 2011). "Match report: York City 2, Solihull Moors 2 – FA Trophy". The Press (York). Retrieved 14 December 2011.
    Flett, Dave (14 December 2011). "Match report: Solihull Moors 0, York City 3 – FA Trophy". The Press (York). Retrieved 14 December 2011.
    Flett, Dave (15 February 2012). "Match report: York City 1, Ebbsfleet United 0 – FA Trophy third round". The Press (York). Retrieved 15 February 2012.
    Flett, Dave (12 March 2012). "Match report: York City 1, Luton Town 0 – FA Trophy semi-final, first leg". The Press (York). Retrieved 14 March 2012.
    Flett, Dave (19 March 2012). "Match report: Luton Town 1, York City 1 – FA Trophy semi-final, second leg". The Press (York). Retrieved 19 March 2012.
    Flett, Dave (14 May 2012). "Match report: Newport County 0, York City 2 – FA Trophy final". The Press (York). Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 "Games played by Jason Walker in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  32. ↑ "York 1–3 Wycombe". BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  33. ↑ Flett, Dave (29 April 2013). "York City release striker Jason Walker". The Press (York). Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  34. ↑ "Craig Barr och Jason Walker nya spelare i ÖFK" [Craig Barr and Jason Walker new players in ÖFK] (in Swedish). Östersunds FK. 1 July 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  35. ↑ "Forest Green Rovers sign Jason Walker on short-term deal". BBC Sport. 22 January 2014. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  36. ↑ "Jason Walker: Southport loan deal for Forest Green Rovers striker". BBC Sport. 27 February 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
  37. ↑ "Jason Walker recalled ahead of Forest Green's trip to champions Luton Town on Easter Monday". Gloucestershire Gazette. 20 April 2014. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  38. ↑ "Yan Klukowski exits with nine players". BBC Sport. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  39. ↑ "Walker Gets England Call-Up". Barrow A.F.C. 3 February 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  40. ↑ "Lions hit four". The Football Association. 18 February 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  41. ↑ "Season 2004/2005:". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  42. ↑ "Season 2005/2006:". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  43. ↑ "Games played by Jason Walker in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
  44. ↑ Williams, Mike; Williams, Tony, eds. (2007). Non-League Club Directory 2008. Tony Williams Publications. pp. 196–197. ISBN 978-1-869833-57-2.
  45. ↑ Williams, Tony; Wright, James, eds. (2009). Non-League Club Directory 2010. Tony Williams Publications. pp. 40–41. ISBN 978-1-869833-66-4.
  46. ↑ "Season 2009/2010:". Sportbox.tv. Retrieved 21 June 2011.

External links

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