Josh Walker (English footballer)

Josh Walker
Personal information
Full name Joshua Walker[1]
Date of birth (1989-02-21) 21 February 1989[2]
Place of birth Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Height 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)[3]
Playing position Central midfielder
Youth career
2002–2006 Middlesbrough
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2010 Middlesbrough 8 (0)
2007 → Bournemouth (loan) 6 (0)
2008 → Aberdeen (loan) 8 (1)
2009–2010 → Northampton Town (loan) 1 (0)
2010 → Rotherham United (loan) 15 (3)
2010–2012 Watford 6 (0)
2010 → Stevenage (loan) 1 (0)
2011 → Northampton Town (loan) 19 (0)
2011 → Stevenage (loan) 5 (1)
2012 → Scunthorpe United (loan) 18 (3)
2012–2013 Scunthorpe United 23 (0)
2013–2014 Gateshead 30 (5)
2014–2016 Bengaluru FC 17 (2)
National team
2009 England U20 4 (0)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21:44, 11 August 2015 (UTC).


Joshua "Josh" Walker (born 21 February 1989) is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder. He last played for Indian club Bengaluru FC.

Walker started his career at Middlesbrough, progressing through the club's youth academy and was part of the club's FA Youth Cup winning team in 2004. He subsequently made his first-team debut for Middlesbrough in 2006, and made a handful of appearances during his four-year professional tenure at the club. During his time at Middlesbrough, Walker was loaned out on four separate occasions, playing for Football League clubs in the form of Bournemouth, Northampton Town, and Rotherham United respectively, as well as Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen.

Walker joined Championship side Watford on a free transfer in August 2010. He made four appearances for Watford, before joining Stevenage on loan in November 2010. He was subsequently loaned out to Northampton Town in January 2011, Stevenage in August 2011 and Scunthorpe United in January 2012. In April 2012, Walker agreed a permanent move to Scunthorpe United and signed for the team on 1 July.

After playing for non-league Gateshead between 2013 and 2014, he joined Bengaluru as the club's marquee signing. Walker has represented England in various youth levels and has also captained the team at 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Club career

Middlesbrough

Josh Walker was born on 21 February 1989[2] in Newcastle upon Tyne and graduated from Middlesbrough's youth academy.[2] Having been part of Middlesbrough's FA Youth Cup winning team of 2003–04, Walker made his team debut, scoring the final goal in a 4–2 friendly victory over Carlisle United in July 2005.[4] His league debut came on the last game of the 2005–06 season, when Middlesbrough fielded a team largely filled with academy graduates in a 1–0 defeat to Fulham, where he came as a 62nd-minute substitute for Malcolm Christie.[5]

During the 2008–09 season, Walker came on as a substitute in Middlesbrough's 5–1 home win over Yeovil Town in the League Cup.[6] In January 2009, he started his first game for the club, playing the whole 90 minutes in the club's 2–1 FA Cup victory against Barrow.[7] His performance led to him starting once more the following week, in a 1–1 draw with Sunderland in the Tees–Wear derby.[8] Just four days later, Walker was ruled out for six weeks after tests showed torn lateral ligaments.[9] In February 2009, after impressing Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate, Walker signed a new two-year contracting, keeping him at Middlesbrough until 2011.[4] In total, Walker featured nine times during the club's 2008–09 campaign.[10] The following season, Walker did not play in the first-team until February 2010, when he started in Middlesbrough's 1–0 home win over Peterborough United – after injuries forced Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan to play Walker.[11] It was to be his only appearance of the season for the club, and admitted he "could still be on his way out".[11] Walker remained at the club ahead of the 2010–11 season, and he started in their 2–1 away win at Chesterfield in the League Cup.[12] However, ten days later, Walker was allowed to leave the club, and joined fellow Championship side Watford on a free transfer.[13]

Loan moves

Towards the latter stages of the 2006–07 season, Walker signed on a month's loan for Bournemouth.[14] He made his debut for Bournemouth in a 3–1 away loss at Northampton Town, and played in a further five games as Bournemouth narrowly avoided relegation.[15] He returned to Middlesbrough in April 2007 to see if his future lay at the club, and also expressed an interest in joining Bournemouth if, according to Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond, "Middlesbrough were interested".[15]

Walker joined Aberdeen on 29 January 2008, where he was on loan till the end of the 2007–08 season.[16] It was announced shortly afterwards that he had signed a new one-year contract with Middlesbrough, keeping him at the club until June 2009.[17] Walker scored his first career goal while on loan at Aberdeen on 14 February 2008 against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup Round of 32.[18] Walker played 13 games in all competitions for Aberdeen, scoring once, before returning to his parent club in May 2008.[19]

On 19 November 2009, Walker joined Northampton Town on loan until January 2010, but this was cut short due to injury.[20] He made just one appearance for the club, playing the whole match in a 2–2 draw at home to Crewe Alexandra.[21]

In February 2010, Walker was loaned to League Two side Rotherham United on an initial month's loan, making his debut in a 1–0 win against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.[22] He scored his first goal for Rotherham from 25 yards in the club's 2–1 away defeat to Accrington Stanley.[23] Four days later, he was on the scoresheet again, this time scoring the only goal of the game from 25 yards as Rotherham beat Bury 1–0.[24] On 25 March 2010, his loan deal was extended until the end of the 2009–10 season.[25] Walker played 15 times for Rotherham, scoring three goals.[26] He played his last game for the club in a 0–0 draw with Crewe Alexandra, before returning to his parent club in May 2010.[27]

Watford

In August 2010, Walker signed for Watford on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract, with Watford having the option on a third year.[13] He made his Watford debut a day after joining the club, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute in a 0–0 draw away at Hull City.[28] Walker also came on as a late substitute in three more games in September 2010, including in Watford's 3–1 victory against his former employers, Middlesbrough.[29][30] Having made just four substitute appearances for Watford, Walker said "If I'm being honest, I expected to do more than I have done at Watford, I still believe I should have played a lot more than I have so far".[31]

Walker returned to Watford ahead of the 2011–12 season, under new management in the form of Sean Dyche.[32] He made his first appearance of the season in Watford's 0–0 away draw against Coventry City, coming on as an 89th-minute substitute.[33] Three days later, on 23 August, Walker started in the club's 1–1 League Cup fixture against Bristol Rovers, a game which the club lost on penalties.[34]

Loan moves

In November 2010, Walker joined League Two side Stevenage on loan until January 2011.[35] He made his club debut just a day after signing for the club, starting in Stevenage's televised FA Cup tie away at AFC Wimbledon. It was to be a scoring debut for Walker, scoring a free-kick that went in off the post to give Stevenage the lead in a 2–0 victory.[36] He made his first league appearance for Stevenage in the club's 1–0 home loss to Northampton Town in December 2010, a game in which Walker hit the crossbar from a free-kick.[37] Despite being due to stay at Stevenage until the beginning of January 2011, Walker was recalled by his parent club Watford on 23 December, in order to provide cover for the injured Stephen McGinn.[38] Walker made two appearances for Stevenage, scoring one goal, as his loan spell at the club was disrupted by fixture postponements.[38]

Walker re-joined League Two side Northampton Town on loan until the end of the 2010–11 season in January 2011.[39] He had previously played for Northampton during the 2009–10 campaign.[39] He made his second debut for the club on 1 February, playing the whole game as Northampton beat Crewe Alexandra 6–2 at Sixfields.[40] Walker made 19 appearances for Northampton as the club narrowly avoided relegation, finishing five points above the relegation zone.[41][42]

A week after Walker's first starting appearance of the 2011–12 season, he signed for Stevenage on loan until January 2012.[43][44] It was announced that Walker's loan deal was made with a view to a permanent move come the January transfer window.[45] He made his second debut for the club on 3 September, coming on as a substitute in a 4–2 home win against Rochdale.[46] Walker scored his first goal for Stevenage during his second spell at the club on 1 October, coming on as a 90th-minute substitute and scoring two minutes later in a 2–1 defeat to Scunthorpe United.[47] After making just six substitute appearances for Stevenage in all competitions, Walker's loan spell with the club was cut short, with the player returning to Watford on 17 November 2011.[48] After returning to Watford, manager Graham Westley said Walker's loan spell at Stevenage was the best option for both clubs, saying:

"It didn't really work out for Josh as he would have liked, as I would have liked, He has got a lot of talent as a footballer. He came in and I knew he wasn't going to walk straight into the side but I was hoping he was going to develop and evolve and give us another option down the right-hand side.However, it hasn't quite worked out and he has gone back to his parent club which is the best thing for everybody."[49]

Scunthorpe United

On 13 January 2012 Walker joined Scunthorpe United on a one-month emergency loan deal. Walker's move to Scunthorpe United permanently was changed to Loan because Fifa's rules which mean players can only play for two clubs in a season apply for standard but not emergency loans.[50] Walker scored on his debut for Scunthorpe United in a 1–1 draw against Colchester United.[51] His debut impressed manager Alan Knill and he told the club official website: "Josh is a good player and fits in well in there. We lost [Manchester United loanee] Oliver Norwood, but we have Josh, who is a bit more streetwise and very good on the ball."[52] On 18 February, Walker scored his second goal and set up a goal for Jon Parkin in a 3–1 win over Leyton Orient.[53] On 20 February, Walker extended his loan spell at Scunthorpe for another month after making five appearances and scoring twice.[54] On 6 March, Walker provided a double assist in the late second half for David Mirfin and Garry Thompson respectively in a 2–1 win over Oldham Athletic.[55] On 31 March, Walker scored his third goal and set up a goal for Jordan Robertson in a 4–1 win over Chesterfield.[56]

On 19 April 2012, Walker signed for the club on a permanent basis on free transfer, which took effect on 1 July.[57] He was injured during the latter part of the 12/13 season at the end of which his contract would expire.[58]

Gateshead

Walker signed for Conference Premier side Gateshead on 17 July 2013.[59] He made his debut on 10 August 2013 against Kidderminster Harriers.[60] Walker scored his first goals for the club on 7 September 2013, scoring both goals in a 2–1 home win against Hereford United.[61] He again scored a brace, this time netting in a 3–1 victory against Salisbury City.[62] He scored the final goal for the club against Lincoln City.[63] At the end of the 2013–14 season, Walker was released by the club.[64] He ended the season scoring 6 goals in 34 matches.[2]

Bengaluru

On 7 July 2014, Walker signed for reigning I-League champions Bengaluru FC, on a one-year contract qualifying as their club's "marquee player". He said "I am very excited to start this chapter of my career with the champions of India."[65] Walker later asserted that the quality of Indian football was "a lot better than what I imagined".[66] In his first season with the Indian club, the club won the Federation Cup defeating Dempo in the final.[67] On 18 March 2015, he scored his first goal for the club, in a AFC Cup match against Warriors, scoring a penalty in the 36th minute.[68] He scored his first I-League goal, by opening the scoring of a 4–1 victory over Sporting Clube de Goa.[69] Walker extended his contract for a further year with Bengaluru at the end of the season, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2015-16 I-League season. [70]

In January 2016, Walker was injured during an off season training session, with Goal reporting that it would take five months for him to recover. Missing the first two matches against Salgaocar and Aizawl FC, Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal confirmed his injury through his Twitter account.[71] He was subsequently released and replaced by Irish midfielder Michael Collins, his former teammate at Scunthorpe.[72]

International career

Walker captained the U15 team for the first time in October 2004 against Wales U15, and also scored a goal in the match.[73] He captained England's U16 and U17 and U20 teams.[65] He was also England's captain in 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[65]

Career statistics

As of match played on 31 May 2015
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Middlesbrough 2005–06[74] Premier League 100000——10
2008–09[75] Premier League 603010——100
2009–10[76] Championship 100000——100
2010–11[77] Championship 000010——10
Total 803020——130
Bournemouth (loan) 2006–07[78] League One 600000——60
Aberdeen (loan) 2007–08[79] Scottish Premier League 8020102[lower-alpha 1]1—131
Northampton Town (loan) 2009–10[76] League Two 100000——10
Rotherham Town (loan) 2009–10[76] League Two 1530000——153
Watford 2010–11[77] Championship 500000——50
2011–12[80] Championship 100010——20
Total 600010——70
Stevenage (loan) 2010–11[77] League Two 101100——21
Northampton (loan) 2010–11[77] League Two 1900000——190
Stevenage (loan) 2011–12[80] League One 510000—1[lower-alpha 2]060
Scunthorpe United (loan) 2011–12[80] League One 1830000—00183
Scunthorpe United 2012–13[81] League One 2301020——260
Total 4131020——443
Gateshead 2013–14[82] Conference 3051000—3[lower-alpha 3]1346
Bengaluru FC 2014–15[82] I-League 17250006[lower-alpha 4]1—283
2015–16[82] I-League 000000——00
Total 172500061—283
Career total 1571413160626119118
  1. ↑ Appearances in UEFA Cup
  2. ↑ Appearance in Football League Trophy
  3. ↑ Appearances in Football League Trophy and Promotion Play-offs
  4. ↑ Appearance in AFC Champions League and AFC Cup

Honours

Bengaluru FC

References

  1. ↑ "Bengaluru FC profile". Bengaluru FC. Retrieved 29 January 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Josh Walker Stats". Soccerbase. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  3. ↑ "Josh Walker – Profile". ESPN Soccernet. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  4. 1 2 "Josh Walker – MFC Profile". Middlesbrough F.C. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  5. ↑ "Fulham 1–0 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 7 May 2006. Retrieved 27 December 2007.
  6. ↑ "Middlesbrough 5–1 Yeovil". BBC Sport. 2008-08-26. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  7. ↑ "Middlesbrough 2–1 Barrow". BBC Sport. 2009-01-03. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  8. ↑ "Middlesbrough 1–1 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 2009-01-10. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  9. ↑ "Boro's Walker faces six weeks out". BBC Sport. 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  10. ↑ "Middlesbrough 2008/2009 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  11. 1 2 "Josh Walker doubtful over Middlesbrough future". BBC Sport. 2010-02-16. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  12. ↑ "Chesterfield 1–2 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 2010-08-10. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  13. 1 2 "Watford snap up Middlesbrough midfielder Josh Walker". BBC Sport. 2010-08-20. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  14. ↑ "Cherries sign Walker and Standing". BBC Sport. 2007-03-09. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  15. 1 2 "Walker ends loan with Bournemouth". BBC Sport. 2007-04-11. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  16. ↑ "Boro midfielder in Dons loan move". BBC Sport. 29 January 2008. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
  17. ↑ "Tayls And Josh Agree New Deals". mfc.co.uk. 31 January 2008. Archived from the original on 5 March 2008. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
  18. ↑ "Aberdeen 2–2 Bayern Munich". BBC Sport. 14 February 2008. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  19. ↑ "Games played by Josh Walker in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  20. ↑ "Cobblers snap up Walker". BBC sport. 19 November 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2009.
  21. ↑ "Northampton 2–2 Crewe". BBC Sport. 2010-02-27. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
  22. ↑ "Burton 0–1 Rotherham". BBC Sport. 2010-02-27. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  23. ↑ "Accrington 2–1 Rotherham". BBC Sport. 2010-03-16. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  24. ↑ "Rotherham 1–0 Bury". BBC Sport. 2010-03-20. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  25. ↑ "Millers sign Arnaud Mendy and Liam Darville". BBC Sport. 2010-03-25. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  26. ↑ "Games played by Josh Walker in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  27. ↑ "Rotherham 0–0 Crewe". BBC Sport. 2010-05-01. Retrieved 2010-12-05.
  28. ↑ "Hull 0–0 Watford". BBC Sport. 2010-08-21. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  29. ↑ "Games played by Josh Walker in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  30. ↑ "Watford 3–1 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 2010-09-25. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  31. ↑ "Josh Walker will wait on Stevenage future". BBC Sport. 2010-11-29. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
  32. ↑ "Sean Dyche given Watford manager job". BBC Sport. 2011-06-21. Retrieved 2011-08-29.
  33. ↑ "Coventry 0–0 Watford". BBC Sport. 2011-08-20. Retrieved 2011-08-29.
  34. ↑ "Bristol Rovers 1–1 Watford". BBC Sport. 2011-08-23. Retrieved 2011-08-29.
  35. ↑ "Watford's Josh Walker Gets Stevenage Loan Switch". BBC Sport. 26 November 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  36. ↑ "AFC Wimbledon 0–2 Stevenage". BBC Sport. 2010-11-27. Retrieved 2010-11-27.
  37. ↑ "Stevenage 0–1 Northampton Town". BBC Sport. 2010-12-11. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
  38. 1 2 "Watford recall Josh Walker from Stevenage loan spell". BBC. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  39. 1 2 "Northampton Town re-sign Watford midfielder Josh Walker". BBC Sport. 2011-01-28. Retrieved 2011-08-29.
  40. ↑ "Northampton Town 6–2 Crewe". BBC Sport. 2011-02-01. Retrieved 2011-08-29.
  41. ↑ "Northampton Town 2010/11 player appearances". Soccerbase. Retrieved 2011-08-29.
  42. ↑ "English League Two 2010–2011 : Table". Statto. Retrieved 2011-08-29.
  43. ↑ "Stevenage seal Walker loan deal". Stevenage F.C. 2011-08-30. Archived from the original on 12 June 2012. Retrieved 2011-08-30.
  44. ↑ "Stevenage sign up Watford's Josh Walker on loan". BBC Sport. 2011-08-30. Retrieved 2011-08-31.
  45. ↑ Stevenage v Rochdale matchday programme. Stevenage F.C. 2011. p. 7.
  46. ↑ "Stevenage 4–2 Rochdale". BBC Sport. 2011-09-03. Retrieved 2011-09-04.
  47. ↑ "Stevenage 1–2 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 2011-10-01. Retrieved 2011-10-02.
  48. ↑ "Josh Walker is back at Watford after his loan spell at Stevenage was cut short". Watford Observer. 2011-11-17. Retrieved 2011-11-17.
  49. ↑ "Westley: Walker had to leave". Sky Sports. 2011-11-22. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  50. ↑ "Scunthorpe United amend Josh Walker deal from Watford". BBC Sport. 2012-01-13. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
  51. ↑ "Colchester 1–1 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 2012-01-14. Retrieved 2012-01-14.
  52. ↑ "Trio impress Scunthorpe boss". Sky Sports. 2012-01-16. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  53. ↑ "Leyton Orient 1–3 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 2012-02-18. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  54. ↑ "Walker extends Iron stay". Sky Sports. 2012-02-20. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  55. ↑ "Oldham 1–2 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  56. ↑ "Chesterfield 1–4 Scunthorpe". BBC Sport. 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  57. ↑ "WALKER WILL SIGN PERMANENTLY". Scunthorpe United Official Website. 2012-04-19. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-26.
  58. ↑ "Damien Mozika and Josh Walker won't play again for Scunthorpe United". Scunthorpe Telegraph. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  59. ↑ "Gateshead Bring In Walker". Gateshead F.C. 2013-07-17. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  60. ↑ "Kidderminster v Gateshead". BBC Sport. 2013-08-10. Retrieved 2013-08-10.
  61. ↑ "Gateshead 2–1 Hereford". BBC Sport. 2013-09-07. Retrieved 2013-09-07.
  62. ↑ "A Josh Walker brace helped Gateshead stretch their unbeaten run at home to five matches against Salisbury.". BBC. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  63. ↑ "Josh Walker provides a touch of class". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  64. ↑ "Eleven Not Offered New Deals". Gateshead F.C. 2014-05-29. Retrieved 2014-05-29.
  65. 1 2 3 4 "Ex-English under-20 captain Walker signs for Bengaluru FC". Bengaluru FC. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  66. ↑ "Josh Walker: How a Tyneside teen became an Indian icon". BBC. Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  67. ↑ "The Blues win their first Federation Cup". Goal. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
  68. ↑ "Bengaluru 1 - 0 Warriors FC". The AFC. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  69. ↑ "Blues bank on Ralte show to down Flaming Oranje". Goal. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  70. ↑ http://bengalurufc.com/detailclubnews.php?id=186
  71. ↑ "I-League: Bengaluru FC expected to replace Joshua Walker". Goal. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  72. ↑ "I-League: Bengaluru FC sign Joshua Walker replacement". Goal. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  73. ↑ "Walker stars in five-star England show". Gazette Live. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  74. ↑ "Matches played by Josh Walker in 2005/06". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  75. ↑ "Matches played by Josh Walker in 2008/09". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  76. 1 2 3 "Matches played by Josh Walker in 2009/10". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  77. 1 2 3 4 "Matches played by Josh Walker in 2010/11". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  78. ↑ "Matches played by Josh Walker in 2006/07". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  79. ↑ "Matches played by Josh Walker in 2007/08". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  80. 1 2 3 "Matches played in Josh Walker in 2010/11". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  81. ↑ "Matches played by Josh Walker in 2012/13". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  82. 1 2 3 "Soccerway profile". Soccerway. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
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