James Walker

Walker has been part of title-winning squads in three different leagues: the Scottish Championship with Heart of Midlothian in 2014–15, EFL League One with Wigan Athletic in 2017–18, and EFL League Two with Bradford City in 2024–25. The left-footed midfielder now brings that record to Grimsby Town.

Hearts is where his career took shape. He began his senior career there in 2011 and went on loan to Raith Rovers for the 2011–12 season, playing 24 games and scoring three goals. His best return came in 2016–17, when he scored 15 goals and was voted Supporters' Player of the Year.

Wigan signed him in January 2018. He made nine appearances in a season that ended with the League One title. The following August he went on loan to Peterborough United, and by January 2019 he had scored twice in 17 games. He returned to Hearts in 2019 and stayed until 2022.

Bradford City took him on loan in January 2022, and he scored four goals in 19 appearances. The move became permanent that July. He was in the squad that won League Two in 2024–25.

His contract at Bradford then expired, and in July 2025 he joined Grimsby on a free transfer, signing a two-year deal. He was the third signing of manager David Artell's summer ahead of the 2025–26 season.