Memories Of Ray Walker

Malcolm Blakey wrote:

Subject: Gordan Cowans & Ray Walker

I have had the great pleasure to have played with both of the named players. Gordan as his school goalie at junior level. Then most nights in our local fields with jumpers as posts mainly outside Gordan's house in Carlton Close so that his mum and dad could make sure nothing happened to him.
Until 1970/71 when Villa took Gordan away, family included, as they could see what was to be in the future.
I can still see Gordan taking on all eleven players in a county match, getting fouled in the penalty box but not falling and North Notts County getting beat 1 nil. Then as they say the rest is history as I, like lots more of his old school mates, followed his career.

Ray

Well, we lived next door to each other and had a great childhood with so many good times. He came from a great family with lots of love and happy times.
The Walkers were one of the first to have a 26 inch colour television and would always have a full house on cup final days.
Myself and Ray built some goal posts and cleared away a mini football pitch in the middle of a farmers field to enjoy Me being Gordan Banks and Ray being Pele and George Best.
We also spent hours/weeks in a game we made up called 'GATES' which was simply our garden gates with the school gate as goals which we would play until dark or was called in for bed.
Brilliant time and two great lads.
All my best to them both.

Ian Wood wrote:

I played with Ray on the trip to Germany with Mansfield Youth League U16 in May 1978.
My recollections of him was that he was an arrogant, ignorant & spoiled 'Northeastern boy'!

adrian lucyk wrote:

the johan cryuf of the old "3rd" division. the type of player i wanted to be. seemed composed on the ball, and had that vision which took him on a level higher than those around him.
unfortunatley we never saw the best of him in the derby games against stoke. i recall a midweek game against bolton 1-0 down on a heavy pitch at vale park. ray scored 2, and turned it around. the second a bit of lovley skill, taking it around 2 defenders, managing to keep on his feet, and placing it along the deck for a goal infront of the bycars end.
obviously he will always be rememberd for the 1st against spurs in the fa cup. OOO TO, OOO TO B,OOO TO B A KILLER !!