He then went on to become the owner and benefactor of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, winning the 1994–95 FA Premier League under his guidance.

[1] Walker worked as a sheet metal worker and a conscript craftsman in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

By 1990 Walker had built up the business so successfully that it had become the largest steel stockholder in Britain, employing 3,400 people at 50 sites.

In November 1983 the WalkerSteel group took over Jersey European Airways, already being the parent company to Blackpool based airline Spacegrand.

July 2002 saw the start of a new beginning for the airline, British European was forced to dramatically change its business model to survive in such a highly competitive and aggressive new low-cost travel era.

The Ewood Park ground was reconstructed at a cost of more than £20 million to give it a capacity of just over 30,000, with the new Jack Walker Stand providing a lasting tribute.

Manager Don Mackay initially used Walker's funds to make signings which helped ensure Rovers survival that season, and built the platform for a promotion challenge in 1991–92.

[9] Kenny Dalglish became manager in October 1991, and by May, Rovers had been promoted to the newly formed Premier League through the playoffs.

Jack Walker and the Lancashire Telegraph constantly dismissed rumours of Shearer joining Manchester United.

Local journalist Peter White stated that the club should never be forgiven should Shearer be allowed to join Manchester United.

'"[13] Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson expressed anger over his failure to sign Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers.

Ferguson stated "I had a gut feeling that it wouldn't happen simply because Jack Walker hates Manchester United.

[16] John Hall, the then Newcastle chairman, also stated that Walker did not want to sell Shearer to Manchester United.

[20] Before his death, Walker had put in place a family trust structure to own his various business interests, including the club.

"[26] In 2015 former Liberal Democrats leader and Rovers fan Tim Farron publicly criticised Walker's daughter Lynda Matthewman.