He spent the first twelve years of his career playing for Newcastle United before moving to Oldham Athletic and Chesterfield.
[3] He was recruited by his local club Newcastle United from Netherton Juniors in 1941, at a time when competitive football had been suspended due to World War II.
He managed to gain a regular starting place in the 1949–50 season, playing as part of a forward line that also included Ernie Taylor, George Robledo, Jackie Milburn and Bobby Mitchell.
The following year, Walker played in every match for the club and helped to guide them into fourth place in the First Division table.
In the 1951–52 season, the club finished in 8th place, their lowest since promotion, but Walker won a second FA Cup, 1–0 against third-placed Arsenal in the final.