A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Dennis Walker

Position: forward

England

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames.

Name: Dennis Alan Walker

Birthdate: 26-10-1944

Age: 81

Birthplace: Hackney, London, England

Height: 5' 9" (1.75m)

Weight: 11st 10lbs (74.39kg)

Years at Club: 1963-1964

Signing Info: Signed Trainee: 09/1960. Signed Professional: 11/1961

Previous Clubs:

Debut: 20/05/1963 v Nottingham Forest (A) 2-3 (League Division One)

Farewell: Transferred to York City, 04/1964, £

Passed Away: 11/08/2003

Biography
Dennis Walker was a trailblazing English footballer who made history as the first black player to play for Manchester United in their senior team. Known for his pace and dribbling ability as a winger, Walker's promising football career was followed by a role as a security guard, where he survived the 1996 IRA bombing at the Manchester Arndale Centre. Though his time at United was brief, his contributions to breaking racial barriers and his post-football resilience are central to his legacy.

Early Career and Rise at Manchester United
Born in Manchester, Dennis Walker joined Manchester United's youth academy, showing early promise as a quick and skillful winger. His speed and technical ability earned him a spot in the senior squad under Sir Matt Busby. Walker made his debut for Manchester United in 1963, making history as the first black player to represent the club in the senior team.

Although his first-team opportunities were limited, Walker's debut marked a significant step in the fight against racial barriers in English football.

Career at Manchester United (1963-1964)
Dennis Walker's time at Manchester United saw him make 1 appearance for the senior team. As a winger, he faced fierce competition from the likes of George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Denis Law, who dominated the attacking positions during that era. Despite his limited opportunities at Old Trafford, Walker's impact as a trailblazer is a key part of Manchester United's history.

Move to York City and Later Career
In 1964, Walker signed for York City in search of more playing time. At York, he played regularly and became a key figure in their squad, making 142 appearances and scoring 19 goals over five years. His time at York City allowed him to showcase his versatility as a forward and winger.

Walker later moved to Cambridge United, where he continued to contribute at the lower levels of English football before retiring from the game.

Life After Football: Security Guard and Survivor of the Arndale Bombing
After retiring from professional football, Dennis Walker worked as a security guard in Manchester. In 1996, Walker was involved in the events surrounding the Manchester Arndale bombing, one of the largest IRA bombings on the British mainland. The bomb, which exploded in the city center, injured more than 200 people and caused massive destruction.

Walker was on duty as a security guard at the Arndale Centre when the bomb exploded. Despite the devastation, Walker survived the bombing, and his resilience in the face of such a traumatic event is a testament to his strength and character. The incident became a significant moment in his post-football life, as he continued to live and work in the city he loved.

Legacy
Dennis Walker is remembered for two major contributions: his role as the first black player to represent Manchester United, and his survival of the 1996 Manchester Arndale bombing. His football career, though short at Manchester United, was significant for breaking racial barriers, and his contributions at York City and Cambridge United added to his footballing legacy.

Walker's post-football life, particularly his role in the aftermath of the bombing, showed his resilience and strength. His story is a reminder of his importance both on and off the field.

Post-Retirement and Death
Walker passed away in 2003, but his legacy as a trailblazer and survivor remains an important part of both Manchester United's history and the broader story of Manchester's resilience.

Summary
Dennis Walker was a pioneering footballer who became Manchester United's first black player in 1963. While his football career was brief, he made important contributions at York City and Cambridge United. After his playing days, Walker worked as a security guard and survived the 1996 Arndale bombing in Manchester, a testament to his resilience. His legacy lives on as a trailblazer for black footballers and a symbol of strength during one of Manchester's darkest moments. Fact: Dennis was the 1st black player to ever play for Manchester United, he worked as Ops manager of the Arndale shopping Centre. He was working at the time of a terrorist attack in 1996.



		League		League Cup		FA Cup		Charity Shield		European Cup		Europa League		Super Cup		Cup Winners Cup		Inter-cont Cup		World Clubs Cup

No	Season																					Season Goals	Season Apps
1.	1962-1963	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
TOTALS		0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1