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Andy Walker Exclusive Q&A Part One: Career Highlights at Celtic and Bolton

Andy Walker playing for Celtic against Rangers

Welcome to part one of the Andy Walker exclusive. The former Celtic, Bolton, Scotland striker and now pundit and commentator talks exclusively to Last Word on Football about his career both North and South of the border.

A boyhood Celtic fan, Walker started his career at Motherwell before moving to Celtic and helping them win the league and cup double in his first season. Moving South of the border, Walker would become a hero to Bolton Wanderers fans due to his prolific strike rate. However, the lure of Celtic would see him return for a second spell at Parkhead.

Read More: The Gap Between Celtic And The Rest Has Never Been So Great

Andy Walker Exclusive Q&A Part One: Career Highlights at Celtic and Bolton

Who was your favourite player as a youngster?

My favourite player as a youngster was Kenny Dalglish. I caught the last few appearances of Jimmy Johnstone at Celtic Park when my dad first took me to some games but Kenny had a grace & elegance about him that made him stand out.

You’re obviously remembered as a striker, is this where you wanted to play growing up?

All through my amateur days and with schools football I played in midfield or as a winger and didn’t really see myself as a striker. I was signed by Tommy McLean at Motherwell & without his influence I wouldn’t have had a career. I signed from junior football, playing in the middle of the park or wide but Tommy thought I could do a job up front. He made me understand what being a team player was and saw things in me that made me think where I could be more effective in the team. He was right.

You started your career at Motherwell; however, what was it like to get your dream move to Celtic and play at a ground where you used to stand and watch?

Playing for Motherwell was a dream and scoring against Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen brought me some attention. I could never have imagined I would be good enough to play for Celtic, my team. Davie Hay was the manager when I learned of their interest but he was sacked at the end of the season and Billy McNeil took over. My dad was Billy’s chartered accountant so he was a family friend and had given me advice on a couple of occasions. When he confirmed Celtic would go ahead and sign me it was a unique feeling. Finishing my first season as top scorer when we won the league and cup double was truly remarkable. I had been a fan watching Celtic achieve so much success, being part of a team that delivered the same memories was very special.

You won the double in your first season at Celtic and played for your country. Does it get much better?

I had a taste of international football when I played for Scotland U21s and scored when we beat Belgium and was also involved in a B game at Pittodrie when we played France but I didn’t get on. Being called up to the full squad and to make my debut as a sub against Colombia was a huge thrill. I travelled with the squad to Wembley to play against England but lost 1-0 to a Peter Beardsley goal.

How did your move to Bolton Wanderers come about?

After 4 years at Celtic, I knew my time was coming to an end, Billy had been sacked and Liam Brady took over. Initially, Liam was OK to deal with but became completely unreasonable towards me when I refused to go to either Falkirk or Motherwell, both of whom made efforts to sign me. A short loan to Newcastle Utd under Ossie Ardilles didn’t work out due to my stupidity. I went there carrying an injury thinking I could play through it and only played a couple of times. Bolton took me on loan in January ’92 and it was a great club with very good players. Phil Neal was the manager but was replaced by Bruce Rioch and he took the club to another level.

You formed a prolific partnership with John McGinlay at Bolton with David Lee supplying the ammunition from the wing. You gained promotion but also famously knocked out Liverpool in the FA Cup at Anfield, and you scored. You must have fond memories of your time at Burnden Park.

I have very fond memories of my time at Bolton. The people behind the scenes were lovely, very warm and considerate, especially to my pregnant wife at the time, people doing the shopping and just always being on hand to help when we were travelling away from home. Bruce put a team together that not only got promotion but we beat Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, Southampton & Aston Villa in a couple of years of FA Cup wins when all teams played their strongest sides. Scoring at Anfield was wonderful but scoring at Highbury to beat Arsenal was pretty special too after almost a year out through injury.

You then returned to Celtic after around three years at Bolton. Did the return come as a surprise?

The opportunity of returning to Celtic came as a complete surprise. I was negotiating with Bolton for a new contract and was happy with the terms on offer but just wanted the security of a three-year deal rather than two years. Bruce said he would get it approved by the board but in the meantime, Lou Macari had been in touch asking if id go back to Glasgow. Given that my dad was suffering from cancer at the time and didn’t have long to live, it was an easy decision to make. I stayed at home with my mum and dad for a short time before he passed away in October. Those months being close to him at that time were priceless.

You played for your country; something to be proud of; however, do you feel you should have played more?

I have never felt as though I should have had more international caps. My contemporaries at the time were Frank McAvennie, Eric Black, Alan McInally, Robert Fleck, Ally McCoist and Mo Johnston. All of them were brilliant players, no complaints from me on that score.
Part Two coming soon.
Thanks, Andy
Barry Dixon, LWOF Site Manager

Barry Dixon, LWOF Site Manager

Barry has been writing for LWOS since March 2015. He covers Sunderland as well as football in general. A passionate supporter of his hometown club, he went to his first game in 1987.

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