Walker Grimsditch


Real Name: Samuel Walker Grimsditch
Normal Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 10/08/1920 (Great Lever, Bolton)
Died: 19/06/1996 (Oldham)

Heritage Number: 737
Debut Match*: 31/08/1946 v Darlington (Football League)
Last Match*: 01/01/1947 v Tranmere Rovers (Football League)
* Qualifying Games


This jovial Lancastrian played for Farnworth as a full-back before being converted to goalkeeper. As a professional with Bolton Wanderers, he had some useful games in the war as well as guesting for Rochdale. He played as an amateur under a permit before being re-registered as a professional and was recommended to the club by Bolton-based scout Joe Dawson. He once conceded a goal within 7 seconds of the kick-off on Good Friday 1946. It was one of the quickest goals ever conceded by Southport. A regular in 1945–46, he lost his place when Wilf Birkett arrived, and he went back to Rossendale, his previous club. Cartilage problems after a kick on the knee forced his retirement when 29. He has lived in the Oldham area since 1948. His son Leslie played centre-half for Altrincham, Mossley, and Bangor City. In 1934 Walker was an England Schoolboys swimming champion.

Profile reproduced with Permission from:
The Sandgrounders: The Complete League History of Southport F. C., by Michael Braham and Geoff Wilde (Palatine Books, 1995). ISBN 978-1-874181-14-9

Southport Playing Stats

First Team

Heritage Qualifying League Only Cup Only Other Only All
Season Qualifying Starts Qualifying Subs Qualifying Appearances Qualifying Goals League Starts League Subs Total League Appearances League Goals Cup Starts Cup Subs Total CupAppearances Cup Goals Other Starts Other Subs Total Other Appearances Other Goals Total Starts Total Subs Total Appearances Total Goals
1945/19460(0)000(0)000(0)0025(0)25025(0)250
1946/194710(0)10010(0)1002(0)200(0)0012(0)120
Total10(0)10010(0)1002(0)2025(0)25037(0)370