He managed to gain a regular starting place in the 1949–50 season, playing as part of a forward line that also included Ernie Taylor, George Robledo, Jackie Milburn and Bobby Mitchell. He made 40 appearances for the club in both league and cup competition and scored 14 goals in those matches. The following year, Walker played in every match for the club and helped to guide them into fourth place in the First Division table. It was also during that season that Waler won his first medal by winning the FA Cup, 2–0 in the final against Blackpool.