Walker Grimsditch

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