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'You'll never beat Des Walker, You'll never beat Des Walker' they would
roar down at the side of the Trent as Dessie thwarted yet another
opposition attack. The lightning-quick defender had made a handful of
appearances in each of the 83/84 and 84/85 campaigns before nailing down
a regular first team place in the 85/86 season. His exceptional form in
that first full season saw Forest finish in 8th position and with the
likes of Stuart Pearce, Neil Webb and Nigel Clough coming through, as
well as Des himself, the future looked bright for Forest. The following
season Walker played in all but one of Forest's 42 League games,
partnering first Dutchman Johnny Metgod and then fellow youngster Chris
Fairclough at the heart of the defence. The 1987/88 campaign saw Forest
finally realising their potential, they finished in third place in the
League and reached the FA Cup semi-finals where they were beaten 2-1 by
Liverpool. Walker's form was quite magnificent alongside Colin Foster in
the Forest rearguard and prompted calls for his inclusion in the
England squad for the forthcoming European Championships. He was made to
wait, however, for his chance by then England manager Bobby Robson and
Des sat at home whilst Marco Van Basten tore the England defence to
shreds. The following season Walker was once more at his imperious best
and there was silverware back in the City Ground trophy cabinet after
nine long years, as Forest swept to victory in the Littlewoods Cup. They
also reached the FA Cup semi-finals, finished third in the League once
again and to top of a memorable season for Des he was finally awarded
his first England cap by manager Robson. (David Scranage)
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Des Walker pictured playing for Nottingham Forest on 14th. April 1991.
Photo Stuart Franklin. © G.H.
| The 1989/90 season saw the ever consistent Des Walker play in each of
Forest's 38 League fixtures and he was also a key member of the Reds
side who successfully defended the Littlewoods Cup with a 1-0 victory
over Oldham Athletic. Walker's form was such that he travelled to Italy
in the summer of 1990 as a vital member of Bobby Robson's England side.
He was simply outstanding during the tournament and the big clubs were
queuing up to obtain the services of the quicksilver defender. Juventus
tested Forest's resolve with a £5 million bid but, in typical fashion,
Brian Clough refused the offer, reportedly claiming that he would not do
business with a car salesman. He was, in fact, referring to Gianni
Agnelli the chairman of Juventus and owner of Fiat! Forest were to reach
the FA Cup Final in 1991 but it was not to be Walker's day as the
England man headed an own goal in extra time to hand Spurs a 2-1
victory. It was a cruel end to what had been another season of
impeccable displays in the Forest rearguard. The 1991/92 campaign proved
to be Walker's last at the City Ground and he ended it with two more
Wembley appearances - in the Simod and Rumbelows Cups. Des also provided
one of the highlights of Forest's season when he netted his first and
only goal for the Reds as Forest drew 1-1 with Luton Town on New Years
Day. The 23, 809 fortunate enough to be present that day will never
forget the joyous scenes as Dessie sprinted around the City Ground with
his team mates in hot pursuit! Walker moved on to Italian outfit
Sampdoria for a bargain £1.5 million during the close season but sadly
the move did not work out and he was back in English football with
Sheffield Wednesday by the start of the following season. (David Scranage) |