 Born in Rotherham, West Riding of Yorkshire, Walker played as a trialist in York City's youth and reserve teams in 1976, after which he moved to New Zealand to play for Gisborne City in 1980 after being spotted playing in English non-League football for Retford Town and Matlock Town by Kevin Fallon.After the end of the season, he returned to play in England for Football League side Barnsley in November 1980.He scored 12 times in 24 games for Barnsley, with an additional five goals in 12 games while on loan at Doncaster Rovers from February 1983, before returning to New Zealand to play for Gisborne City.