Walter Chadwick

Who was Walter Chadwick?

Walter Russell Chadwick was an English professional footballer who played as a defender. Born in Haslingden, Lancashire in late 1903, Chadwick started his career in local football with St Saviour's of Bacup before joining Football League First Division side Burnley as an amateur in 1923. He failed to make a first-team appearance and left the following summer, signing with Barnoldswick Town in June 1924. Two months later, Chadwick returned to Burnley on professional terms but again could not break into the senior team and played solely in the reserves.

In August 1925, Chadwick was signed by Third Division North outfit Nelson. He became a regular fixture in the club's reserves, forming a defensive partnership with James Pearson, who also went on to represent the Nelson first team. Chadwick made his Football League debut on 17 April 1926, playing at right-back in the 0–3 defeat away to Grimsby Town. He also appeared in the following game three days later, a 3–3 draw with Chesterfield at Seedhill. He returned to the reserves for the 1926–27 season. The second string won 27 of their 38 league matches during the campaign, and were crowned champions of the Lancashire Combination for the first time.