It is our sad duty to record the passing of one of stars of Mossley's team of the 1950's - Alan Walker.

Local boy Alan began his playing career with Ashton United, working his way through from their reserve side as a teenager. He joined Mossley in the later stages of the 1955/56 season and made 6 appearances before the season's close. He became a regular in Mossley defensive line the following season making 39 appearances and scored the first of his 2 Mossley goals in a 1-1 draw at Darwen in the FA Cup. He played under four different managers in what was a difficult 1956/57.

The 1957/58 season saw centre half Alan retain his place in the team as he made 40 appearances under the stewardship of Eddie Quigley and made a further 29 appearances the following season. He made 49 appearances and scored his second and final Mossley goal in a 2-1 Seel Park win over Northwich Victoria in the 1959/60 season. After making a total of 159 appearances over five seasons with the Lilywhites Alan was released and joined Droylsden scoring 2 goals before departing to Droylsden in 1960. He remained at Droylsden until 1968 when he brought his career to a close making 25 appearances for Ashton United in the 1968/69 season.

He later went on to have spells as manager of both Droylsden and Ashton United. In recent years Alan has been a keen local golfer but sadly passed away on Thursday 31st July 2014.

Alan's son Alan junior, also a central defender, had a distinguished football career in non league with Bangor City and Telford United, gaining an FA Trophy winners medal with Telford before playing League football for Lincoln City, Millwall, Gillingham, Mansfield Town and Barnet. He was later manager of Sittingbourne, Fisher Athletic, Tonbridge Angels and Maidstone United.

MOSSLEY AFC 1959/60
Back row: Bill Heywood (trainer), Brian Radcliffe, Alan Walker, George Smith, Brian Johnson, Bill Whitehead, Brian Mitton
Front row: Billy Taylor, Harry Gordon, Eddie Quigley (player-manager), Eddie Gleadall, Mike Fleming