Former Player James Walker Has Died

A former Hereford United player has died. He was only 38.

James Walker who came on loan to Edgar Street from Southend in 2009 had suffered from heart problems for many years.

The striker had a 'cardiac arrest' in 2019 which left him with both physical and mental impairments.

Whilst with Hereford Walker made six appearances and scored two goals.  One was against Dagenham and Redbridge:

Finally, on 80 mins., Hereford's pressure was rewarded. There seemed little danger when James Walker collected the ball, fully 30 yards from goal. With a trademark swivel, he turned his marker, cleverly created space, and in one movement unleashed a fierce shot. Although the flapping Roberts got a hand to it, scenes of celebration were triggered as the net billowed. 

Below is how BN reported about Walker joining Hereford.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Walker joins Bulls from Southend

James Walker has joined Hereford United on a one month loan deal from Southend.

Southend United have loaned striker James Walker (pic from Wikipedia) to League Two outfit Hereford United today, southendunited.co.uk has confirmed.

Walker, 22, will spend the next month at Edgar Street as he looks to get match practice under his belt.

The Blues forward has made 43 appearances for Southend and scored eight goals after signing from Charlton Athletic in February 2008.

However, he has found opportunities hard to come by this season with Lee Barnard in fine form and the arrival of Sunderland striker Roy O'Donovan on loan last week.

And now Walker will add a loan spell with Hereford to those he has enjoyed at Hartlepool United, Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient, Notts County and Yeovil Town during his career.

Walker was originally going to join Southend from Charlton in January 2008 but at a medical the club doctor discovered that Walker had an irregular rhythm of the heart. He was then sent to Southend hospital for further tests.

However Walker was aware of the problem as 'similar anomalies' had been found at previous examinations when Walker was 14 and 17.

The consultant at Southend hospital then sent him to the Royal Brompton Hospital in London for further tests.

Whilst this was going on his move to Southend was delayed but eventually the deal was done.