Tom Walley

Born Caernarfon 22 February 1945

Wing half/midfield  5ft 10ins  11st 6lbs

One cap:  (Watford) v Czechoslovakia 1971

Career: Caernarfon T March 1963-February 1964; Wrexham; Caernarfon T; August-December 1964; Arsenal(£1,000) December 1964-67 10+4 sub league apps 1 goal; Watford March 1967-71 202+1 sub league apps 17 goals; Orient December 1971-76 155+2 sub league apps 5 goals; Watford June 1976-78 21+1 sub league apps; Watford coach 1978-89, reserve team coach 1989-March 1990; Millwall (youth team coach) August 1990-date

One of a number of accomplished footballers produced by Segontium School, Caernarfon, Tom Walley underwent a neck operation at the age of 14 and didn't resume playing for almost three years.  He signed for Wrexham as an amateur, after just a few games in the Welsh League, but soon returned to Caernarfon without making an impact.  Tom settled into the local side and his outstanding performances led to interest by several league clubs.  His brother Ernie, a former Spurs player, put him in touch with Arsenal and after a successful trial he was offered pro' terms by manager Billy Wright. Welsh-speaking Tom spent 2½ years at Highbury, mostly as a reserve.

In 1967, he moved to Watford and was appointed captain in his first season.  A driving midfield player, Tom played in all 46 league matches in Watford's promotion to the Second Division in 1968/69.  After five years with Orient he returned to Watford in June 1976 as chairman Elton John's first signing. A conscientious player and a dedicated trainer, Walley was for a long time youth team coach at Watford and was responsible for the development of a number of talented young players, including John Barnes. The youngster, under his charge, took the FA Youth Cup in 1982 and were finalists in 1985. Walley was reserve team coach but his 13 years loyal service at Vicarage Road ended when he was dismissed along with manager Steve Harrison.

Club honour: 

Watford - Third Division champions 1969

Also gained 4 Under 23 caps