Bradford's number one has enjoyed a stellar season on the pitch - and is well set for life off it, when the time comes.
“I didn’t want to stand still.” This is the mantra that Sam Walker has adopted in his football career and everyday mentality. Walker is a goalkeeper who constantly seeks improvement. An intense focus upon development has overseen a brilliant career on the pitch and has extended into his endeavours off it.
The Bradford City goalkeeper is ambitious and hungry. He possesses a BA degree in Business Management and Administration and is on course to finish his Global Sport Football Directorship Diploma in 2026. “The plan is to play as long as possible but I want to give myself the perfect platform for when I retire,” Walker says, speaking exclusively to Goalkeeper.com.
Walker revealed that his academy career started “relatively late” and Millwall propelled him into prominence. “I was scouted from Sunday League by Millwall when I was 14,” he continued. “At 15 I did pre-season with the first team. I was 6’5 and had an eye-catching physical profile. Chelsea then approached Millwall and signed me.
"I quickly gathered attention at Chelsea by winning the Youth Cup in my second season at the club. I featured in a handful of youth and reserve team games. Once this happens, you’re ready to play and get experience to be a professional.
“I got my first loan at 19 with Barnet. I only made seven appearances. I kept clean sheets and got sent off. It was a learning curve. The experience helped me develop as a player.”
Walker was at Chelsea between 2007 and 2014 and relished the opportunity to observe Petr Cech. “I was lucky enough to be 3rd choice goalkeeper and travelled with the first team,” he reflected. “Petr was my idol. It was incredible to learn from him and watch how he worked. He is one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history.”
Walker’s time in West London was life-changing and provided the platform for him to take the brave next step. He wasn’t content with waiting in the wings and determined to play consistently at a professional level. After a series of loans at various clubs, Colchester fulfilled this desire and presented Walker with the perfect home.
"I was 21 in 2012. I had a few loans and played regularly in League One and Two. It was relatively successful. Colchester were in the third tier and it felt right straight away.”
Initially, the Englishman joined The U’s on loan at the beginning of 2013. “It was my first loan spell where I could live at home,” he said. “This helped me settle quickly so I developed good form and loved the fans. We secured safety on the final day of the 2013/14 season at Carlisle so there was a special connection. Colchester wanted a permanent deal. It was a natural and smooth transition to continue my development.”
Walker stayed in Essex until 2018 and earned a move to Reading in the Championship. In a three-year stay with The Royals, Walker was unable to become first choice but still cherished the experience of interacting with many top goalkeepers and coaches.
“When I left Colchester, I felt like I’d done well enough to play Championship football. I went to Reading but I was the number two. It was my first time in this dynamic and a new challenge. During this time, I spent six months with Emi Martinez. He was unbelievable to work with. I also played with Rafael Cabral. He had an incredible aura and demeanour.”
Walker then made the brave decision to exit his comfort zone and signed with Kilmarnock in 2021. He is full of praise for the experience and Scotland as a footballing nation.
“I worked at a high level with amazing goalkeepers so I made the decision to take on a new experience. I made a leap of faith as a young goalkeeper and embraced Glasgow as a city. I would advise everyone to play in Scotland. The fans are so passionate. Playing at the stadiums of Celtic, Rangers, Hibernian, and Hearts is breathtaking. We got promoted in my first year and stayed up in the second. It was brilliant.”
The 33-year-old transferred to Bradford City at the start of 2024. Last season, The Bantams finished ninth. This campaign, they’ve already beaten last year’s points tally and are firmly in the race for automatic promotion from the fourth tier.
“We gathered serious momentum at the end of last season and that has continued into the current campaign. Bradford shouldn’t be in League Two. It’s a wonderful football club with an incredible fanbase. We’ve got an excellent squad with a solid mixture of youth and experience. We have an amazing opportunity to do something really special.”
Walker has been involved with professional clubs for nearly 20 years and has closely watched the evolution of the goalkeeper. When asked how the goalkeeper’s role has changed in this period, he replied:
“Goalkeepers are expected to be technically excellent. At Chelsea, I had to spray a wide range of passes and intensely focus on possession. At the highest level, the variation of passing and distribution, ability to start counter attacks and invite pressure is incredible. This change has heightened the scrutiny on goalkeepers. Nevertheless, my core belief remains that the best goalkeepers produce the big saves at the important moments.”
Walker labels the importance of mentality as “huge” and believes it is one of the main characteristics to be a productive goalkeeper. “That side of goalkeeping will never change,” he firmly stated. Walker also offered some useful insight to any aspiring goalkeepers: “You need the mindset to crave improvement, stay calm and not dwell on mistakes. Always think about the next action and how you can help the team.”
Walker’s success on the pitch hasn’t stopped the pursuit of other goals. He has obtained a degree in Business Management and Administration from The Open University and recently started the Global Football Sport Directorship Post Graduate Diploma with the PFA Business School. The shotstopper also completed his UEFA B Goalkeeping Licence and plans to do the A as well. Walker loves to learn and wants an expansive portfolio of knowledge and experience to delve into after his playing career:
“I was quite academic at school. If I didn’t play football, then I would have gone to university. I always wanted to study. I completed my BA Degree across 6 years. I started it when I had an ACL injury at Colchester. It was a rewarding experience.
“In my Diploma I learn about senior management roles in football. It’s also a great networking process. I meet current and ex players, as well as just people in the game.
“The PFA is fantastic for providing non-playing options for footballers. Sport can be a short career so you need back up options. My plan is to give myself a platform for multiple avenues. The qualities to be a successful player or flourish in other roles are so different. I want to have a grasp of all skill sets.”
The determination to be successful in various departments sets Walker apart from the crowd. With a wealth of experience, knowledge and hunger, he is set to continue learning and improving. The journey never stops and Walker is making the absolute most of it.
