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| {{short description|English footballer}} | {{short description|English footballer}} | ||
| {{for multi|the cyclist|Mark Walters (cyclist)|other people|Mark Waters (disambiguation)}} | {{for multi|the cyclist|Mark Walters (cyclist)|other people|Mark Waters (disambiguation)}} | ||
| {{ |
{{Use British English|date=July 2013}} | ||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}} | ||
| {{Infobox football biography | {{Infobox football biography | ||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
| | years8 = 1999–2002 | clubs8 = ] | caps8 = 82 | goals8 = 13 | | years8 = 1999–2002 | clubs8 = ] | caps8 = 82 | goals8 = 13 | ||
| | totalcaps = 600 | totalgoals = 128 | | totalcaps = 600 | totalgoals = 128 | ||
| | nationalyears1 = 1980–1982 | nationalteam1 = ] | nationalcaps1 = 9 | nationalgoals1 = 3 | |||
| | nationalyears1 = 1983–1986 | |||
| | nationalyears2 = |
| nationalyears2 = 1983–1986 | ||
| | nationalyears3 = 1991 | | nationalyears3 = 1991 | ||
| | nationalyears4 = 1991 | |||
| ⚫ | | |
||
| | nationalteam2 = ] | | nationalteam2 = ] | ||
| | nationalteam3 = ] | | nationalteam3 = ] | ||
| ⚫ | | nationalteam4 = ] | ||
| | nationalcaps1 =9 | |||
| | nationalcaps2 = |
| nationalcaps2 =9 | ||
| | nationalcaps3 =1 | | nationalcaps3 =1 | ||
| | |
| nationalcaps4 =1 | ||
| | nationalgoals2 = |
| nationalgoals2 =1 | ||
| | nationalgoals3 =0 | | nationalgoals3 =0 | ||
| | nationalgoals4 =0 | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Mark Everton Walters'''<ref name="ITN"/> (born 2 June 1964) is an English former professional ] who made 600 league appearances between 1981 and 2002. | '''Mark Everton Walters'''<ref name="ITN"/> (born 2 June 1964) is an English former professional ] who made 600 league appearances between 1981 and 2002. | ||
| A ], Walters played top-flight football for ], ] and ] in England and for ] in Scotland, and played in the lower divisions of the ] for ], ], ] and ]. He was capped once by ]. | A ], Walters played top-flight football for ], ] and ] in ] and for ] in ], and played in the lower divisions of the ] for ], ], ] and ]. He was capped once by ]. | ||
| ==Club career== | ==Club career== | ||
| Line 46: | Line 47: | ||
| Walters began his career as an apprentice at ] on leaving school in the summer of 1980, turning the professional a year later – just after Villa's ] title triumph – and made his competitive debut on 28 April 1982 in a 4–1 league defeat at home to ], two months after the departure of manager ] – who had given Walters his first professional contract – and the promotion of assistant ] to the manager's seat. Walters was not included in Villa's squad for the ] of the ] on 26 May 1982, which they won 1–0 against ], the ] champions. Walters, still only 18, made 22 league appearances in the ] campaign as Villa finished sixth. He scored once that season. He was firmly established as a regular player in the ], appearing 37 times in the league and scoring eight goals, though Villa had a disappointing season and finished 10th, with Tony Barton being sacked at the end of the season and replaced by ]. | Walters began his career as an apprentice at ] on leaving school in the summer of 1980, turning the professional a year later – just after Villa's ] title triumph – and made his competitive debut on 28 April 1982 in a 4–1 league defeat at home to ], two months after the departure of manager ] – who had given Walters his first professional contract – and the promotion of assistant ] to the manager's seat. Walters was not included in Villa's squad for the ] of the ] on 26 May 1982, which they won 1–0 against ], the ] champions. Walters, still only 18, made 22 league appearances in the ] campaign as Villa finished sixth. He scored once that season. He was firmly established as a regular player in the ], appearing 37 times in the league and scoring eight goals, though Villa had a disappointing season and finished 10th, with Tony Barton being sacked at the end of the season and replaced by ]. | ||
| Walters, now highly rated as one of the country's most promising young players, remained in favour under |
On the opening day of the 1985-86 season Aston Villa were soundly beaten 4-0 by Manchester United prompting Walters to suggest to Graham Turner that he takes up a free role in the upcoming second game against Champions Liverpool. The move was initially a great success and Walters scored what he thought would be the winner, only for Jan Molby to equalise late on in a credible 2-2 draw. Walters scored a dynamic overhead kick in front of the Holte end after only 3 minutes in a 3-1 victory against Luton Town on August 31st 1985 . Walters, now highly rated as one of the country's most promising young players, remained in favour under ], but Villa were in deep trouble throughout the ], finishing 16th and only avoiding relegation thanks to a late run of good form.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/LeagueTables/Season1985-86/Div11985-86.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020730210638/http://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/LeagueTables/Season1985-86/Div11985-86.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 July 2002 |title=Football League Division 1 table 1985/86 |work=footballsite.co.uk |access-date=7 December 2018 }}</ref> Walters was restricted to 21 league games due to injury problems in ] as Villa were relegated in bottom place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/LeagueTables/Season1986-87/Div11986-87.htm |title=Football League Division 1 table 1986/87 |work=footballsite.co.uk |date=8 November 1986 |access-date=7 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001031028/http://www.footballsite.co.uk/Statistics/LeagueTables/Season1986-87/Div11986-87.htm |archive-date=1 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Turner had been sacked in September and replaced by ], who in turn lost his job after relegation to be succeeded by ]. Walters appeared in the first 24 games of Villa's ultimately successful ], scoring seven goals.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} | ||
| ===Rangers=== | ===Rangers=== | ||
| During the late 1980s, Scottish club ] signed several English players, including internationals ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name = "rangers"/> English clubs were ] from ]an competition, which meant that Rangers, who were managed by former Liverpool star ], were finding it easier to attract English players.<ref name = "rangers"/> Walters moved to Rangers for £500,000 on ] 1987.<ref name = "rangers"/> Previously, black players had been a rarity in Scottish football. Queen's Park and Hearts had black players in the 19th |
During the late 1980s, Scottish club ] signed several English players, including internationals ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name = "rangers"/> English clubs were ] from ]an competition, which meant that Rangers, who were managed by former Liverpool star ], were finding it easier to attract English players.<ref name = "rangers"/> Walters moved to Rangers for £500,000 on ] 1987.<ref name = "rangers"/> Previously, black players had been a rarity in Scottish football. Queen's Park and Hearts had black players in the 19th century and ] played for Celtic in 1951. Rangers had also previously signed a black player, ], but he died during the ] before he could appear for Rangers. | ||
| Walters made his Rangers debut on 2 January 1988 in the ] derby match with ] at ], a game which Rangers lost 2–0.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sir Norman Chester Centre for Football Research |url=http://www.le.ac.uk/snccfr/resources/factsheets/fs4.html |title=Black Footballers in Britain – The Late 1980s and After – A 'New Era'? |publisher=] |date=June 2002 |access-date=6 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728140834/http://www.le.ac.uk/snccfr/resources/factsheets/fs4.html |archive-date=28 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1496650,00.html | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=Letters | access-date=12 May 2010}}</ref> The Celtic support subjected Walters to monkey noises and the throwing of bananas and other fruit.<ref name = "rangers">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42371953 |title=Mark Walters recalls racism on Rangers debut, 30 years on |first=Martin |last=Conaghan |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=28 December 2017 |access-date=8 October 2018}}</ref> Rangers banned one of their own supporters after an incident during Walters' home debut.<ref name = "rangers"/> Walters himself later stated that his worst experience in Scotland was at ] ], where the abuse was compounded by object-throwing.<ref name = "rangers"/><ref>{{cite news| author= ANGUS WRIGHT and MICHAEL BUTCHER | quote= That was the worst place of all. It wasn't just the abuse because I can handle that. It was all the objects that were being thrown.| url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7951/is_1999_Dec_9/ai_n32658087/ | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130901213639/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7951/is_1999_Dec_9/ai_n32658087/ | url-status= dead | archive-date= 1 September 2013 | title=Racism returns to haunt Scottish game once more | publisher=]|date=December 1999 | access-date=6 July 2008}}</ref> The abuse at Tynecastle was widely covered in the Scottish media, with commentator ] criticising it during the highlights package on '']''.<ref name = "rangers"/> Hearts chairman ] apologised to Walters.<ref name="rangers" /> | Walters made his Rangers debut on 2 January 1988 in the ] derby match with ] at ], a game which Rangers lost 2–0.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sir Norman Chester Centre for Football Research |url=http://www.le.ac.uk/snccfr/resources/factsheets/fs4.html |title=Black Footballers in Britain – The Late 1980s and After – A 'New Era'? |publisher=] |date=June 2002 |access-date=6 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728140834/http://www.le.ac.uk/snccfr/resources/factsheets/fs4.html |archive-date=28 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1496650,00.html | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=Letters | access-date=12 May 2010}}</ref> The Celtic support subjected Walters to monkey noises and the throwing of bananas and other fruit.<ref name = "rangers">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42371953 |title=Mark Walters recalls racism on Rangers debut, 30 years on |first=Martin |last=Conaghan |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=28 December 2017 |access-date=8 October 2018}}</ref> Rangers banned one of their own supporters after an incident during Walters' home debut.<ref name = "rangers"/> Walters himself later stated that his worst experience in Scotland was at ]'s ], where the abuse was compounded by object-throwing.<ref name = "rangers"/><ref>{{cite news| author= ANGUS WRIGHT and MICHAEL BUTCHER | quote= That was the worst place of all. It wasn't just the abuse because I can handle that. It was all the objects that were being thrown.| url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7951/is_1999_Dec_9/ai_n32658087/ | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130901213639/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7951/is_1999_Dec_9/ai_n32658087/ | url-status= dead | archive-date= 1 September 2013 | title=Racism returns to haunt Scottish game once more | publisher=]|date=December 1999 | access-date=6 July 2008}}</ref> The abuse at Tynecastle was widely covered in the Scottish media, with commentator ] criticising it during the highlights package on '']''.<ref name = "rangers"/> Hearts chairman ] apologised to Walters.<ref name="rangers" /> | ||
| Whilst at ], Walters was part of the side that won the ] in ], ] and ] and the ] in 1988 and 1990, thus enjoying the most successful spell of his career in terms of trophies won. | Whilst at ], Walters was part of the side that won the ] in ], ] and ] and the ] in 1988 and 1990, thus enjoying the most successful spell of his career in terms of trophies won. | ||
| Line 65: | Line 66: | ||
| ===Southampton=== | ===Southampton=== | ||
| Walters was signed by ] in January 1996 to assist in the Saints' desperate fight against relegation from the Premiership. He made his debut as a substitute against ] on 20 January 1996 and made a total of five league and four FA Cup appearances (with the Saints reaching the quarter-finals of the competition), but struggled to make any real impression with the side. His final appearance was in a dreadful match away to ], which Saints lost 3–0 meekly surrendering in a shoddy second half.<ref name="ITN">{{cite book | author=Duncan Holley & Gary Chalk | title=In That Number – A post-war chronicle of Southampton FC | publisher=Hagiology Publishing | year=2003|pages=243 & 594| isbn=0-9534474-3-X}}</ref> At the end of the season, with Saints' Premiership status secured for another season, Walters was released, moving on to ], as Graeme Souness – the man who signed him for Liverpool five years earlier – was arriving at Southampton to succeed the sacked Merrington. | Walters was signed by ] in January 1996 to assist in the Saints' desperate fight against relegation from the ]. He made his debut as a substitute against ] on 20 January 1996 and made a total of five league and four FA Cup appearances (with the Saints reaching the quarter-finals of the competition), but struggled to make any real impression with the side. His final appearance was in a dreadful match away to ], which Saints lost 3–0 meekly surrendering in a shoddy second half.<ref name="ITN">{{cite book | author=Duncan Holley & Gary Chalk | title=In That Number – A post-war chronicle of Southampton FC | publisher=Hagiology Publishing | year=2003|pages=243 & 594| isbn=0-9534474-3-X}}</ref> At the end of the season, with Saints' Premiership status secured for another season, Walters was released, moving on to ], as Graeme Souness – the man who signed him for Liverpool five years earlier – was arriving at Southampton to succeed the sacked Merrington. | ||
| ===Swindon Town=== | ===Swindon Town=== | ||
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| ==England career== | ==England career== | ||
| Walters represented ] at schoolboy and under 21 levels before he earning his only full cap under ] whilst he was with Rangers. It came on 3 June 1991 in the 1–0 friendly victory over ] in ].<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.englandstats.com/matchreport.php?mid=674 | title= New Zealand 0 – England 1; 3 June 1991 (Match summary) | publisher=www.englandstats.com| access-date=6 July 2008}}</ref> | Walters represented ] at schoolboy and under 21 levels before he earning his only full cap under ] whilst he was with Rangers. It came on 3 June 1991 in the 1–0 friendly victory over ] in ].<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.englandstats.com/matchreport.php?mid=674 | title= New Zealand 0 – England 1; 3 June 1991 (Match summary) | publisher=www.englandstats.com| access-date=6 July 2008}}</ref> | ||
| ==Coaching and media== | ==Coaching and media== | ||
| Walters joined Coventry Preparatory School as a Saturday morning football coach for the four- to 11-year–olds in February 2003; he then became a member of staff in January 2006,{{cn|date=September 2021}} coaching years three to eight and is also head coach of the under-14s at Aston Villa's academy.{{cn|date=September 2021}} Walters is also heavily involved with groups aiming to eliminate racism in football.{{ |
Walters joined Coventry Preparatory School as a Saturday morning football coach for the four- to 11-year–olds in February 2003; he then became a member of staff in January 2006,{{cn|date=September 2021}} coaching years three to eight and is also head coach of the under-14s at Aston Villa's academy.{{cn|date=September 2021}} Walters is also heavily involved with groups aiming to eliminate racism in football.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Jordan |date=2018-12-09 |title=‘To be talking about the same thing 30 years later is disappointing’: Mark Walters on racism, Rangers and the right way to respond |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1533722/2020/01/16/rangers-racism-alfredo-morelos-mark-walters/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Walters went back to school and obtained teaching qualifications. He is Head of Languages at Aston Villa's academy.{{cn|date=September 2021}} | ||
| Although now retired, Walters still plays in the ] ] competitions for Rangers. He is also one of three honorary members of the Rangers Supporters Trust, along with ] and ].<ref name="RST">{{cite news|url=http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=48 |title=Rangers Supporters Trust – April 2003 |publisher=Rangers Supporters Trust website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927124536/http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=48 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> | Although now retired, Walters still plays in the ] ] competitions for Rangers. He is also one of three honorary members of the Rangers Supporters Trust, along with ] and ].<ref name="RST">{{cite news|url=http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=48 |title=Rangers Supporters Trust – April 2003 |publisher=Rangers Supporters Trust website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927124536/http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=48 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> | ||
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| ==Honours== | ==Honours== | ||
| '''Aston Yilla Youth''' | '''Aston Yilla Youth''' | ||
| * ]: 1979–80 |
* ]: 1979–80 | ||
| '''Aston Villa''' | '''Aston Villa''' | ||
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| '''Liverpool''' | '''Liverpool''' | ||
| * |
*]: ] | ||
| *]: ]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/liverpool-prevail-in-cup-final-to-savour-1614114.html |title=Liverpool prevail in cup final to savour |first=Glenn |last=Moore |website=The Independent |date=2 April 1995 |access-date=3 April 2024}}</ref> | |||
| * ]: ] | |||
| * |
*] runner-up: ] | ||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
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| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| {{Commons category}} | |||
| * | * | ||
| * {{Soccerbase}} | * {{Soccerbase}} | ||
| * | * | ||
| * {{UEFA player}} | |||
| {{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 20:11, 12 December 2024
English footballer For the cyclist, see Mark Walters (cyclist). For other people, see Mark Waters (disambiguation).
 Walters playing in a charity match in 2008. | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Mark Everton Walters | ||
| Date of birth | (1964-06-02) 2 June 1964 (age 60) | ||
| Place of birth | Birmingham, England | ||
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder/Left winger | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1980–1981 | Aston Villa | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1981–1987 | Aston Villa | 181 | (39) |
| 1987–1991 | Rangers | 106 | (32) |
| 1991–1996 | Liverpool | 94 | (14) |
| 1993–1994 | → Stoke City (loan) | 9 | (2) |
| 1994–1995 | → Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) | 11 | (3) |
| 1996 | Southampton | 5 | (0) |
| 1996–1999 | Swindon Town | 112 | (27) |
| 1999–2002 | Bristol Rovers | 82 | (13) |
| Total | 600 | (128) | |
| International career | |||
| 1980–1982 | England Youth | 9 | (3) |
| 1983–1986 | England U21 | 9 | (1) |
| 1991 | England B | 1 | (0) |
| 1991 | England | 1 | (0) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Mark Everton Walters (born 2 June 1964) is an English former professional footballer who made 600 league appearances between 1981 and 2002.
A midfielder, Walters played top-flight football for Aston Villa, Liverpool and Southampton in England and for Rangers in Scotland, and played in the lower divisions of the Football League for Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers. He was capped once by England.
Club career
Aston Villa
Walters began his career as an apprentice at Aston Villa on leaving school in the summer of 1980, turning the professional a year later – just after Villa's Football League First Division title triumph – and made his competitive debut on 28 April 1982 in a 4–1 league defeat at home to Leeds United, two months after the departure of manager Ron Saunders – who had given Walters his first professional contract – and the promotion of assistant Tony Barton to the manager's seat. Walters was not included in Villa's squad for the final of the European Cup on 26 May 1982, which they won 1–0 against Bayern Munich, the West German champions. Walters, still only 18, made 22 league appearances in the 1982–83 campaign as Villa finished sixth. He scored once that season. He was firmly established as a regular player in the 1983–84 season, appearing 37 times in the league and scoring eight goals, though Villa had a disappointing season and finished 10th, with Tony Barton being sacked at the end of the season and replaced by Graham Turner.
On the opening day of the 1985-86 season Aston Villa were soundly beaten 4-0 by Manchester United prompting Walters to suggest to Graham Turner that he takes up a free role in the upcoming second game against Champions Liverpool. The move was initially a great success and Walters scored what he thought would be the winner, only for Jan Molby to equalise late on in a credible 2-2 draw. Walters scored a dynamic overhead kick in front of the Holte end after only 3 minutes in a 3-1 victory against Luton Town on August 31st 1985 . Walters, now highly rated as one of the country's most promising young players, remained in favour under Graham_Turner, but Villa were in deep trouble throughout the 1985–86 season, finishing 16th and only avoiding relegation thanks to a late run of good form. Walters was restricted to 21 league games due to injury problems in 1986–87 as Villa were relegated in bottom place. Turner had been sacked in September and replaced by Billy McNeill, who in turn lost his job after relegation to be succeeded by Graham Taylor. Walters appeared in the first 24 games of Villa's ultimately successful quest to regain First Division status, scoring seven goals.
Rangers
During the late 1980s, Scottish club Rangers signed several English players, including internationals Terry Butcher, Trevor Steven, Gary Stevens, Chris Woods and Ray Wilkins. English clubs were banned from European competition, which meant that Rangers, who were managed by former Liverpool star Graeme Souness, were finding it easier to attract English players. Walters moved to Rangers for £500,000 on New Year's Eve 1987. Previously, black players had been a rarity in Scottish football. Queen's Park and Hearts had black players in the 19th century and Gil Heron played for Celtic in 1951. Rangers had also previously signed a black player, Walter Tull, but he died during the First World War before he could appear for Rangers.
Walters made his Rangers debut on 2 January 1988 in the Old Firm derby match with Celtic at Parkhead, a game which Rangers lost 2–0. The Celtic support subjected Walters to monkey noises and the throwing of bananas and other fruit. Rangers banned one of their own supporters after an incident during Walters' home debut. Walters himself later stated that his worst experience in Scotland was at Heart of Midlothian's Tynecastle, where the abuse was compounded by object-throwing. The abuse at Tynecastle was widely covered in the Scottish media, with commentator Archie Macpherson criticising it during the highlights package on Sportscene. Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer apologised to Walters.
Whilst at Ibrox, Walters was part of the side that won the Scottish Premier Division in 1989, 1990 and 1991 and the Scottish League Cup in 1988 and 1990, thus enjoying the most successful spell of his career in terms of trophies won.
Liverpool
Liverpool paid £1.25 million for Walters' services and he made his debut four days after signing, when he came on as a 65th-minute substitute for Steve McMahon in a 2–1 league win over Oldham Athletic at Anfield on 17 August 1991. His first goal for the club was an 88th-minute penalty in a 2–1 league win over Notts County at Meadow Lane on 7 September 1991.
His best display all season was in a match against Auxerre at Anfield in the Uefa Cup. Liverpool trailed 2–0 from the away leg but won their home match 3–0 with Walters netting a late winner after tormenting the French defence all night long. He remained a regular in the side and helped Liverpool to the 1992 FA Cup Final, although he was an unused substitute as his teammates beat 2nd Division Sunderland 2–0. However, he appeared in just 25 out of 42 league appearances for the Reds that season, scoring three goals as they finished sixth – the first time since 1981 that they had finished lower than champions or runners-up.
Walters scored Liverpool's first FA Premier League goal when he equalised in a 2–1 win over Sheffield United in August 1992. That same season he was also the first Liverpool player to score a Premiership hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Coventry City. He was their second highest scorer behind Ian Rush that season, scoring 11 goals in 34 league games, though the Reds finished sixth again. He lost his regular place in central midfield to youngster Jamie Redknapp in the 1993–94 season and never regained it. When Liverpool beat Bolton Wanderers 2–1 in the 1995 League Cup final, again an unused substitute, Walters was being used less as Roy Evans was employing three centre-halves with Rob Jones and Stig Inge Bjørnebye as wing-backs and three midfielders – Steve McManaman, Jamie Redknapp and John Barnes.
He had already been sent out on loan to Stoke City (9 games, 2 goals) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (11 games, 3 goals) during the 1993–94 and 1994–95 seasons, and thus it was not surprising that, after not appearing at all during the first half of the 1995–96 season, Walters was allowed to leave, joining Southampton on 18 January 1996 on a free transfer.
Southampton
Walters was signed by David Merrington in January 1996 to assist in the Saints' desperate fight against relegation from the Premiership. He made his debut as a substitute against Middlesbrough on 20 January 1996 and made a total of five league and four FA Cup appearances (with the Saints reaching the quarter-finals of the competition), but struggled to make any real impression with the side. His final appearance was in a dreadful match away to Queens Park Rangers, which Saints lost 3–0 meekly surrendering in a shoddy second half. At the end of the season, with Saints' Premiership status secured for another season, Walters was released, moving on to Swindon Town, as Graeme Souness – the man who signed him for Liverpool five years earlier – was arriving at Southampton to succeed the sacked Merrington.
Swindon Town
Walters joined Swindon Town on a free on 31 July 1996 and made his debut on 17 August in the 2–0 defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road. His first goal for the Robins came via a 26th-minute penalty during the 2–1 league win over Tranmere Rovers on 14 September 1996.
At the County Ground, Walters was "sometimes brilliant, but at other times could be very frustrating". He never really featured in manager Jimmy Quinn's plans, and was eventually released to Bristol Rovers on a free transfer during the administration period, when it was decided Town could no longer afford his wages. Walters played a total of 126 matches for Swindon in which he scored 28 goals before he was released on 17 November 1999.
Bristol Rovers
Having been told that he was no longer required by Swindon the 35-year-old joined Ian Holloway's Bristol Rovers side on a free transfer. He spent three years at the Memorial Stadium playing 96 times and scoring 14 goals before he finally retired on 26 April 2002, five weeks before his 38th birthday. The penultimate season of his career saw Rovers slip into Division Three, and they struggled at this level too, finishing the season just one place – though many points – above relegated Halifax Town.
England career
Walters represented England at schoolboy and under 21 levels before he earning his only full cap under Graham Taylor whilst he was with Rangers. It came on 3 June 1991 in the 1–0 friendly victory over New Zealand in Auckland.
Coaching and media
Walters joined Coventry Preparatory School as a Saturday morning football coach for the four- to 11-year–olds in February 2003; he then became a member of staff in January 2006, coaching years three to eight and is also head coach of the under-14s at Aston Villa's academy. Walters is also heavily involved with groups aiming to eliminate racism in football. Walters went back to school and obtained teaching qualifications. He is Head of Languages at Aston Villa's academy.
Although now retired, Walters still plays in the Sky Sports masters football competitions for Rangers. He is also one of three honorary members of the Rangers Supporters Trust, along with Johnny Hubbard and Billy Simpson.
In 2021 Walters presented the documentary Mark Walters in the Footsteps on Andrew Watson which was aired on BBC Scotland.
Personal life
Walters was born in Birmingham to the Nigerian footballer Lawrence Wabara, and a Jamaican mother who moved to England as part of the Windrush generation. His father walked out of the family when Mark was a child, and Walters was mostly raised by his mother, whose last name he uses. Walters is the half-brother of the professional boxer Pelé Reid, and the uncle of fellow footballers Simon Ford, and Reece Wabara.
Career statistics
Club
Source:
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Aston Villa | 1981–82 | First Division | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 1982–83 | First Division | 22 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 27 | 3 | |
| 1983–84 | First Division | 37 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 48 | 11 | |
| 1984–85 | First Division | 36 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 10 | |
| 1985–86 | First Division | 40 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 13 | |
| 1986–87 | First Division | 21 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 28 | 4 | |
| 1987–88 | Second Division | 24 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 7 | |
| Total | 181 | 39 | 12 | 1 | 22 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 224 | 48 | ||
| Rangers | 1987–88 | Scottish Premier Division | 18 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 8 |
| 1988–89 | Scottish Premier Division | 31 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 48 | 17 | |
| 1989–90 | Scottish Premier Division | 27 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 36 | 12 | |
| 1990–91 | Scottish Premier Division | 30 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 39 | 15 | |
| Total | 106 | 32 | 15 | 6 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 144 | 52 | ||
| Liverpool | 1991–92 | First Division | 24 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 36 | 6 |
| 1992–93 | Premier League | 32 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 42 | 13 | |
| 1993–94 | Premier League | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| 1994–95 | Premier League | 18 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | |
| Total | 94 | 14 | 9 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 124 | 19 | ||
| Stoke City (loan) | 1993–94 | First Division | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) | 1994–95 | First Division | 11 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 |
| Southampton | 1995–96 | Premier League | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Swindon Town | 1996–97 | First Division | 27 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 8 |
| 1997–98 | First Division | 34 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 7 | |
| 1998–99 | First Division | 38 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 11 | |
| 1999–2000 | First Division | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 3 | |
| Total | 112 | 25 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 126 | 29 | ||
| Bristol Rovers | 1999–2000 | Second Division | 30 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 9 |
| 2000–01 | Second Division | 26 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 4 | |
| 2001–02 | Third Division | 26 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 1 | |
| Total | 82 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 96 | 14 | ||
| Career total | 600 | 128 | 49 | 10 | 62 | 24 | 32 | 5 | 743 | 167 | ||
- A. The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals in the European Cup, FA Charity Shield, Football League Trophy, Full Members Cup and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup.
International
Source:
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 1991 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | |
Honours
Aston Yilla Youth
- FA Youth Cup: 1979–80
Aston Villa
- UEFA Super Cup: 1982
- Football League Second Division runner-up: 1987–88
Rangers
- Scottish Premier Division: 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91
- Scottish League Cup: 1988–89, 1990–91; runner-up: 1989–90
- Scottish Cup runner-up: 1988–89
Liverpool
- FA Cup: 1991–92
- Football League Cup: 1994–95
- FA Charity Shield runner-up: 1992
References
- Chalk, Gary; Holley, Duncan; Bull, David (2013). All the Saints: A Complete Players' Who's Who of Southampton FC. Southampton: Hagiology Publishing. p. 494. ISBN 978-0-9926-8640-6.
- ^ Duncan Holley & Gary Chalk (2003). In That Number – A post-war chronicle of Southampton FC. Hagiology Publishing. pp. 243 & 594. ISBN 0-9534474-3-X.
- "Football League Division 1 table 1985/86". footballsite.co.uk. Archived from the original on 30 July 2002. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
- "Football League Division 1 table 1986/87". footballsite.co.uk. 8 November 1986. Archived from the original on 1 October 2017. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
- ^ Conaghan, Martin (28 December 2017). "Mark Walters recalls racism on Rangers debut, 30 years on". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
- Sir Norman Chester Centre for Football Research (June 2002). "Black Footballers in Britain – The Late 1980s and After – A 'New Era'?". University of Leicester. Archived from the original on 28 July 2010. Retrieved 6 July 2008.
- "Letters". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ANGUS WRIGHT and MICHAEL BUTCHER (December 1999). "Racism returns to haunt Scottish game once more". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 1 September 2013. Retrieved 6 July 2008.
That was the worst place of all. It wasn't just the abuse because I can handle that. It was all the objects that were being thrown.
- ^ "Mark Walters". Sporting Heroes. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
- ^ "Swindon Town player profile: Mark Walters". Swindon Town F.C. Retrieved 19 September 2009.
- "New Zealand 0 – England 1; 3 June 1991 (Match summary)". www.englandstats.com. Retrieved 6 July 2008.
- Campbell, Jordan (9 December 2018). "'To be talking about the same thing 30 years later is disappointing': Mark Walters on racism, Rangers and the right way to respond". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- "Rangers Supporters Trust – April 2003". Rangers Supporters Trust website. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007.
- "Mark Walters in the Footsteps on Andrew Watson". BBC. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
- "Rangers legend Mark Walters: Trump and Johnson have emboldened people to abuse immigrants". HeraldScotland.
- Staff, B. N. (22 March 2019). "When you knock out Vitali Klitschko by accident - Boxing News". www.boxingnewsonline.net.
- "Ford to extend stay with Killie". 5 January 2005.
- "City new-boy Reece is over the 'Blue Moon'". Bromsgrove Advertiser. 9 April 2008. Retrieved 10 June 2015.
- Mark Walters at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
- Walters, Mark at National-Football-Teams.com
- Moore, Glenn (2 April 1995). "Liverpool prevail in cup final to savour". The Independent. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
External links
- Player profile at LFChistory.net
- Mark Walters at Soccerbase
- Mark Walters index at Sporting-heroes.net
- Mark Walters – UEFA competition record (archive)
- 1964 births
- Living people
- Footballers from Birmingham, West Midlands
- English men's footballers
- England men's international footballers
- England men's B international footballers
- England men's under-21 international footballers
- English people of Jamaican descent
- Sportspeople of Jamaican descent
- English people of Nigerian descent
- Sportspeople of Nigerian descent
- Aston Villa F.C. players
- Rangers F.C. players
- Liverpool F.C. players
- Stoke City F.C. players
- Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. players
- Southampton F.C. players
- Swindon Town F.C. players
- Bristol Rovers F.C. players
- Premier League players
- Black British sportsmen
- English Football League players
- Scottish Football League players
- Men's association football midfielders
- Aston Villa F.C. non-playing staff