The Thistle Archive

Walker was selected for many Scotland squads during the 1990s, earning two international caps in his 30s. A product of Highland League Elgin City, he signed for Leicester City aged 17. He didn't settle in the Midlands though, and returned to Scotland within the same year, signing for Motherwell in 1981. Two years later he signed for Rangers, where he soon established himself as the first choice goalkeeper. The arrival of Chris Woods as part of the Souness revolution meant that Walker lost his place. That said, he did play in the 1987 Scottish League Cup Final against Aberdeen, which Rangers won after a penalty shoot-out, while injuries to Woods the following season also meant Walker deputised in twelve games to earn a Scottish League title medal.

The 'keeper then joined Heart of Midlothian in a £125,000 deal in 1990. His time at Tynecastle developed into a see-saw battle with Henry Smith for the #1 jersey, both men earning international recognition when in the Hearts first team but enduring significant spells on the sidelines. Smith eventually won the duel and, after a loan spell with Burnley, Walker moved to Partick Thistle in December 1994 in a part-exchange deal for Craig Nelson. At this point, all looked lost for Thistle, who were deep in relegation trouble. His debut was a memorable occasion, a 2-2 league draw with Hibs which marked the opening of the brand new Jackie Husband stand. Walker soon won over the Thistle fans who were disappointed at Nelson's departure with a string of top quality performances in the Thistle goal. One of his man-of-the-match performances in the pouring rain against Celtic was positively biblical. Although Thistle were relegated the next season, Walker regained his spot in the Scotland squad and became the last Thistle player to be capped at full level by Scotland when he played against the USA, just prior to Euro 96. He was also part of the Scotland squad that participated in that tournament. He signed for Aberdeen just prior to the start of the 96/97 season but that move never really worked out and he went on to play for Highland rivals Ross County and Inverness Caley Thistle.

Walker's family company is Walkers Shortbread, based in the Speyside village of Aberlour, Morayshire, in north east Scotland. He joined the firm following his retirement from football, becoming a director.

Nicky is included in our feature piece, The Definitive Who's Who Of The Partick Thistle Internationalists →