2004
Mr Des Walker, Footballer
HonMA in recognition of his services to sport and for acting as an ideal role model on the field of play.
Des Walker retired from football in 2004 after a career spanning more than 20 years. He spent the first nine years of his illustrious playing days under Brian Clough, who made him a first team regular aged just 20. While at Forest he wone two League Cups and League Cup runners-up and FA Cup runners-up medals.
He made his international debut in 1989 and a year later played in all sevenof England’s World Cup games in Italy, when the Three Lions finished fourth. In total he played 59 times for his country.
His form made him a target for Sampdoria, where he was snapped up by Sven-Goran Eriksson for £1.5m in 1992. After just one season in Italy he moved back to England when Sheffield Wednesday paid £2.7m for his services. Eight years and more than 300 league appearances later, he returned to the City Ground to play two more seasons with Forest.