Sports Letter: Gentleman relished From Mr J A Gould

Sir: Tam Dalyell's touching obituary on Tommy Walker (19 January) brings to mind an incident at Stamford Bridge during the 1940s which typified the man.

Tommy had joined Chelsea after the war and during a home game two of the opposing defenders (one being the goalkeeper) collided in attempting to clear the ball. They both lay injured in front of the open goal. The ball ran loose to Walker some 10 yards from goal where he calmly and deliberately put it out of play for a goal kick.

Here was a gentleman who played the game he loved, fairly and enjoyably. His like have long since left the football scene.

Yours sincerely,

J A GOULD

Leicester

21 January