Southend United have said they are deeply saddened by the death of former striker James Walker, who has died aged 38. The club will honour him with a minute's applause before Saturday's National League fixture with AFC Fylde.
Walker is remembered at Southend for a spell between 2008 and 2010, when he made 54 appearances and scored eight goals. It was a useful and committed contribution at a club where he became a familiar name to supporters during that period.
A tribute at Saturday's fixture
The minute's applause will give Southend fans and players the chance to pay their respects before the match against AFC Fylde. It is a fitting moment for a club remembrance, marking both his time at Southend and the impact he made during his career.
Walker had also been part of Charlton Athletic's academy and went on to play for several other clubs before his death. In 2019, he suffered a cardiac arrest that resulted in significant physical and mental impairments.
For Southend, the tribute is a simple but important gesture. It ensures Walker is remembered properly on matchday, with the National League fixture providing the setting for the club and its supporters to reflect on his life and career.
