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{{short description|British industrialist and businessman}}
{{other people}} {{other people}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}} {{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Jack Walker | name = Jack Walker
| image = JackWalkerEwood.jpg | image = JackWalkerEwood.jpg
| image_size = 350px | image_size = 350px
| caption = Jack Walker at ] | caption = Jack Walker at ] at an unknown date between 1991 and 2000
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1929|5|19|df=yes}} | birth_date = {{Birth date|1929|5|19|df=yes}}
| birth_place = ], ], ] | birth_place = ], ], England
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2000|8|17|1929|5|19|df=yes}} | death_date = {{Death date and age|2000|8|17|1929|5|19|df=yes}}
| death_place = {{nowrap|], ], ]}} | death_place = {{nowrap|], ], Channel Islands}}
| nationality = ] | nationality = ]
| occupation = ]<br/>] | occupation = ]<br/>]
| years_active = 1942–2000 | years_active = 1942–2000
| title = {{nowrap|] of ]<br />(1951–1989)<br/>Owner of ]<br/>(1991–2000)}} | title = {{nowrap|] of ]<br />(1951–1989)<br/>Owner of ]<br/>(1991–2000)}}
| networth = {{gain}} ]600 million<br/>(]927 million) <small>(est.)</small>
}} }}
'''Jack Walker''' (19 May 1929 – 17 August 2000) was a British industrialist and businessman from ], ]. Walker built his fortune in the steel industry, amassing a personal fortune of £600 million. He then went on to become the owner and benefactor of ], winning a Premiership title under his guidance.<ref name="Glanville">{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2000/aug/19/guardianobituaries.football | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=Jack Walker | first=Brian | last=Glanville | accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref> '''Jack Walker''' (19 May 1929 – 17 August 2000) was a British industrialist and businessman. Walker built his fortune in ], amassing a personal fortune of £600 million. He then went on to become the owner and benefactor of ], winning the ] under his guidance.<ref name="Glanville">{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2000/aug/19/guardianobituaries.football | work=The Guardian| location=London | title=Jack Walker | first=Brian | last=Glanville | access-date=2010-05-05}}</ref>


==Business== ==Business==

===Walkersteel=== ===Walkersteel===
The youngest of three children, Walker was born in Blackburn and left school at 13.<ref name="localhero">{{cite news| title = Local hero who led the Rovers to glory | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1353315/Local-hero-who-led-the-Rovers-to-glory.html| publisher =telegraph.co.uk| date =2000-08-19| accessdate =2010-01-26 | location=London | first=Richard | last=Savill}}</ref> Walker worked as a sheet metal worker and a conscript craftsman in the ]. In 1951, following the death of his father Charles, Walker took over the family sheet metal business. ] was built from a back-street scrap metal business to a major force in the steel industry. By 1990 Walker had built up the business so successfully that it had become the largest steel stockholder in Britain, employing 3,400 people at 50 sites. In 1988 the business was making an annual profit of £48m. Walkersteel completed a major deal with ], purchasing subsidiary GKN Steelstock.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-86-627_en.htm | work=European Commission Press Release Database | title=Press Release}}</ref> Following this Walker decided it was the right time to sell and opened negotiations with ]. Walkersteel was sold for a reported £360m, the highest price ever paid for a private company at the time.<ref name="walkersteel">{{cite news| title =Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/profile-money-money-money-man--jack-walker-1540594.html | publisher =The Independent| date =1992-08-16| accessdate =2010-01-26 | location=London | first=Norman | last=Fox}}</ref> Walker's sale of Walkersteel proved to be a less successful investment for its new owners British Steel, as the steel market entered a steep slump as a result of the ].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1353251/Jack-Walker.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Jack Walker | date=2000-08-19}}</ref> The Walkersteel brand has been revived following Walker's death but is linked in name only. The youngest of three children, Walker was born in Blackburn and left school at 13.<ref name="localhero">{{cite news| title = Local hero who led the Rovers to glory | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1353315/Local-hero-who-led-the-Rovers-to-glory.html| work =The Daily Telegraph| date =2000-08-19| access-date =2010-01-26 | location=London | first=Richard | last=Savill}}</ref> Walker worked as a sheet metal worker and a conscript craftsman in the ]. In 1951, following the death of his father Charles, Walker took over the family sheet metal business. ] was built from a back-street scrap metal business to a major force in the steel industry. By 1990 Walker had built up the business so successfully that it had become the largest steel stockholder in Britain, employing 3,400 people at 50 sites. In 1988 the business was making an annual profit of £48m. Walkersteel completed a major deal with ], purchasing subsidiary GKN Steelstock.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-86-627_en.htm | work=European Commission Press Release Database | title=Press Release}}</ref> Following this Walker decided it was the right time to sell and opened negotiations with ]. Walkersteel was sold for a reported £360m, the highest price ever paid for a private company at the time.<ref name="walkersteel">{{cite news| title =Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/profile-money-money-money-man--jack-walker-1540594.html | work =The Independent| date =1992-08-16| access-date =2010-01-26 | location=London | first=Norman | last=Fox}}</ref> Walker's sale of Walkersteel proved to be a less successful investment for its new owners British Steel, as the steel market entered a steep slump as a result of the ].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1353251/Jack-Walker.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Jack Walker | date=2000-08-19}}</ref> The Walkersteel brand has been revived following Walker's death but is linked in name only.


===Jersey European Airways=== ===Jersey European Airways===
In November 1983 the WalkerSteel group took over Jersey European Airways, already being the parent company to ] based airline Spacegrand. The two airlines were initially run separately until 1985 when they were amalgamated and ] became the airline's headquarters and base for technical services.<ref name="spacegrand">{{cite news| title = Flybe Flights | url =http://www.directline-flights.co.uk/FlyBe | publisher =directline-flights.co.uk| accessdate =2010-01-26}}</ref> In November 1983 the WalkerSteel group took over Jersey European Airways, already being the parent company to ] based airline Spacegrand. The two airlines were initially run separately until 1985 when they were amalgamated and ] became the airline's headquarters and base for technical services.<ref name="spacegrand">{{cite news| title = Flybe Flights | url =http://www.directline-flights.co.uk/FlyBe | publisher =directline-flights.co.uk| access-date =2010-01-26}}</ref>


The airline grew throughout the 1990s and was recognised in 1993 and 1994 when it won 'Best UK Regional Airline'. The new millennium saw the airline announce a new brand name at the beginning of May: British European. The rebrand reflected the size and scope of what was now the UK's third-largest scheduled airline. July 2002 saw the start of a new beginning for the airline, British European was forced to dramatically change its business model to survive in such a highly competitive and aggressive new low-cost travel era. ] was born and along with changes to commercial, fleet and operational policies that were to transform the airline. The airline grew throughout the 1990s and was recognised in 1993 and 1994 when it won 'Best UK Regional Airline'. The new millennium saw the airline announce a new brand name at the beginning of May: British European. The rebrand reflected the size and scope of what was now the UK's third-largest scheduled airline. July 2002 saw the start of a new beginning for the airline, British European was forced to dramatically change its business model to survive in such a highly competitive and aggressive new low-cost travel era. ] was born and along with changes to commercial, fleet and operational policies that were to transform the airline. On 5 March 2020 Flybe ceased operating and went into administration.


At the airlines Head Office in Exeter there are two buildings named in his honour: Jack Walker House and the New Walker Hangar both based on the ] complex. At the airline's Head Office in Exeter there are two buildings named in his honour: Jack Walker House and the New Walker Hangar, both based on the ] complex.


In 2013 Jack Walker's estate sold its entire 48.1% shareholding in Flybe.<ref>{{cite news| url =http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/deals/walker-family-sells-flybe-shares-6300152 | work=Manchester Evening News | title =Walker family sells Flybe shares | date=2013-11-13}}</ref> In 2013 Jack Walker's estate sold its entire 48.1% shareholding in Flybe.<ref>{{cite news| url =http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/deals/walker-family-sells-flybe-shares-6300152 | work=Manchester Evening News | title =Walker family sells Flybe shares | date=2013-11-13}}</ref>


==Blackburn Rovers== ==Blackburn Rovers==
In 1988, Jack Walker donated building materials for the new Riverside Stand at ]. It is also thought that his money was used to pay for the acquisition and wages of ] and ] in the 1987-88 season.<ref name="walkersteel"/> In 1988, Jack Walker donated building materials for the new Riverside Stand at ]. It is also thought that his money was used to pay for the acquisition and wages of ] and ] in the 1987–88 season.<ref name="walkersteel"/>


Walker took full control of the club in January 1991 with the intention of turning Rovers into the greatest and most prosperous club England had ever seen. He also threatened to make ] look "cheap" <ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/profile-money-money-money-man--jack-walker-1540594.html | location=London | work=The Independent | first=Norman | last=Fox | title=Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker | date=1992-08-16}}</ref> and within the first three years he spent £25 million on new players. This included breaking the British transfer record twice, signing ] from ] for £3.3 million in 1992 and ] from ] for £5 million in 1994. Walker took full control of the club in January 1991 with the intention of turning Rovers into the greatest and most prosperous club England had ever seen. He also threatened to make ] look "cheap"<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/profile-money-money-money-man--jack-walker-1540594.html | location=London | work=The Independent | first=Norman | last=Fox | title=Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker | date=1992-08-16}}</ref> and further outlined his motivations in a 1992 documentary on the club. "I'm only interested in putting Rovers where they should be. Blackburn Rovers is one of the greatest football teams in England. They are one of the founder members and we want them right back on top."<ref>{{cite news| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=573&v=MrKJ5QEbF6I&feature=emb_title | work=Granada Television | title ="The Team That Jack Built" | date=2013-11-13}}</ref> Within the first three years of his takeover Walker spent £25 million on new players. This included breaking the British transfer record twice, signing ] from ] for £3.3 million in 1992 and ] from ] for £5 million in 1994.


The Ewood Park ground was reconstructed at a cost of more than £20 million to give it a capacity of just over 30,000, with the new Jack Walker Stand providing a lasting tribute. New training facilities and a youth academy were also constructed at ]. The Ewood Park ground was reconstructed at a cost of more than £20 million to give it a capacity of just over 30,000, with the new Jack Walker Stand providing a lasting tribute. New training facilities and a youth academy were also constructed at ].


When Jack Walker bought Rovers, the ] was half completed and they were just above the relegation zone. They had not played in the First Division since 1966 and their last major trophy had been won in 1928.
⚫ When Jack Walker bought Rovers, the ] was half completed and they were just above the relegation zone. Manager ] initially used Walker's funds to make signings which helped ensure Rovers survival that season, and built the platform for a promotion challenge in ]. Walker declared his ambition early on that Rovers would return to the top flight, establish themselves as a top side in England and eventually go on to compete with the very best clubs in Europe.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/profile-money-money-money-man--jack-walker-1540594.html | location=London | work=The Independent | first=Norman | last=Fox | title=Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker | date=1992-08-16}}</ref> ] became manager in October 1991, and by May, Rovers had been promoted to the newly formed ] through the play offs.<ref name="dalglish">{{cite news| title = Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/kenny-dalglish-at-blackburn-1311105.html | publisher =The Independent| date =1996-08-23| accessdate =2010-01-26 | location=London}}</ref>


⚫ Manager ] initially used Walker's funds to make signings which helped ensure Rovers survival that season, and built the platform for a promotion challenge in ]. Walker declared his ambition early on that Rovers would return to the top flight, establish themselves as a top side in England and eventually go on to compete with the very best clubs in Europe.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/profile-money-money-money-man--jack-walker-1540594.html | location=London | work=The Independent | first=Norman | last=Fox | title=Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker | date=1992-08-16}}</ref> ] became manager in October 1991, and by May, Rovers had been promoted to the newly formed ] through the playoffs.<ref name="dalglish">{{cite news| title = Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn | url =https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/kenny-dalglish-at-blackburn-1311105.html | work =The Independent| date =1996-08-23| access-date =2010-01-26 | location=London}}</ref>
⚫ In the ], Rovers won the Premiership title with arch rivals ] finishing runners up.<ref>{{cite news| title = League Table Premier League 94/95 | url = https://www.statbunker.com/competitions/LeagueTable?comp_id=11 | publisher =Statbunker| accessdate =2016-03-01}}</ref>


Walker was present at the ] leading the Rovers team onto the pitch at the old ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/uk-net-loss-football-club-chairmen/article/409502 |title= UK: NET LOSS - FOOTBALL CLUB CHAIRMEN.|publisher = Management Today}}</ref>
⚫ In the summer of 1996 Alan Shearer was top goalscorer at ] and was linked to domestic and international clubs. The main talk in the national media was of Shearer joining hated rivals Manchester United. Jack Walker and the ] constantly dismissed rumours of Shearer joining Manchester United. Local journalist Peter White stated that the club should never be forgiven should Shearer be allowed to join Manchester United.


⚫ In the ], Rovers won the Premiership title with ] finishing runners up. It was their first top division title for 81 years and their first major trophy for 67 years.<ref>{{cite news| title = League Table Premier League 94/95 | url = https://www.statbunker.com/competitions/LeagueTable?comp_id=11 | publisher =Statbunker| access-date =2016-03-01}}</ref>
⚫ "Rovers should never be forgiven for allowing that to happen. They know they would never be forgiven if they let Shearer go to the club the Rovers fans love to hate. Fans might just live with a move to ] or ] but not to 'that lot.'"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6201820.Bid_for_Shearer_wide_of_the_mark/ |title=Bid for Shearer wide of the mark|publisher =Lancashire Telegraph}}</ref>


⚫ In the summer of 1996 Alan Shearer was top goalscorer at ] and was linked with a move to a host of leading English and continental clubs, but the main talk in the national media was that Shearer would join local rivals Manchester United. Jack Walker and the ] constantly dismissed rumours of Shearer joining Manchester United. Local journalist Peter White stated that the club should never be forgiven should Shearer be allowed to join Manchester United.
⚫ Manchester United manager ] expressed anger over his failure to sign Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers. Ferguson stated "I had a gut feeling that it wouldn't happen simply because Jack Walker hates Manchester United."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/the-archive/14-Diary/6728-august-1996 |title=August 1996 |publisher =When Saturday Comes}}</ref> ] also confirmed Ferguson's attempt to sign Shearer had been blocked by Rovers. Ultimately Shearer moved to Newcastle United.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1996/7/article/320745.html |title=Record Transfer Sees Shearer to Newcastle |publisher =themoscowtimes.com}}</ref> In 2017 Edwards once again confirmed Walker's refusal to sell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-exact-reason-why-alan-shearer-didnt-join-manchester-united-has-been-revealed-142781 |title=The exact reason why Alan Shearer didn't join Manchester United has been revealed.|publisher =JOE.co.uk}}</ref>

⚫ "Rovers should never be forgiven for allowing that to happen. They know they would never be forgiven if they let Shearer go to the club the Rovers fans love to hate. Fans might just live with a move to ] or ] but not to 'that lot.'"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6201820.Bid_for_Shearer_wide_of_the_mark/ |title=Bid for Shearer wide of the mark|work =Lancashire Telegraph|date=11 July 1996 }}</ref>

⚫ Manchester United manager ] expressed anger over his failure to sign Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers. Ferguson stated "I had a gut feeling that it wouldn't happen simply because Jack Walker hates Manchester United."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/the-archive/14-Diary/6728-august-1996 |title=August 1996 |publisher =When Saturday Comes}}</ref> ] also confirmed Ferguson's attempt to sign Shearer had been blocked by Rovers. Ultimately Shearer moved to Newcastle United.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1996/7/article/320745.html |title=Record Transfer Sees Shearer to Newcastle |publisher =themoscowtimes.com}}</ref> In 2017 Edwards once again confirmed Walker's refusal to sell.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/the-exact-reason-why-alan-shearer-didnt-join-manchester-united-has-been-revealed-142781 |title=The exact reason why Alan Shearer didn't join Manchester United has been revealed.|date=23 September 2017 |publisher =JOE.co.uk}}</ref>

], then the Newcastle chairman, also stated that Walker did not want to sell Shearer to Manchester United.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sir-john-hall-survival-promotion-16014623 |title=Sir John Hall on the heartache of Newcastle United losing the Premier League title|work =Chronicle Live|date=11 May 2021 }}</ref>


==Personal life and death== ==Personal life and death==
Away from Walkersteel and Blackburn Rovers, Walker invested in property development in and around Blackburn.{{Citation needed|date=September 2016}} He sponsored ], and Jersey Rugby Club after moving to ] in 1974.<ref name="Glanville"/> Away from Walkersteel and Blackburn Rovers, Walker invested in property development in and around Blackburn.{{Citation needed|date=September 2016}} He sponsored ], and Jersey Rugby Club after moving to ] in 1974.<ref name="Glanville"/>


Walker's primary motto in life and most famous quote was "think big".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.brfcs.com/jack-walker/jack-walker-11th-anniversary-tribute/ | work=BRFCS | title=Jack Walker Tribute | date=2011-08-17 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301144710/http://www.brfcs.com/jack-walker/jack-walker-11th-anniversary-tribute/ | archivedate=1 March 2016 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Walker's primary motto in life and most famous quote was "think big".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.brfcs.com/jack-walker/jack-walker-11th-anniversary-tribute/ | work=BRFCS | title=Jack Walker Tribute | date=2011-08-17 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301144710/http://www.brfcs.com/jack-walker/jack-walker-11th-anniversary-tribute/ | archive-date=1 March 2016}}</ref>

On 17 August 2000, Walker died at 71 from cancer.<ref>{{cite news| title = Jack Walker dies aged 71 | url = http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6069883.Jack_Walker_dies_aged_71/ | work =Lancashire Telegraph| date =2000-08-18| access-date =2016-02-27}}</ref>

==Legacy==
⚫ Before his death, Walker had put in place a family trust structure to own his various business interests, including the club.<ref>{{cite news| title = Trust fund put in place | url = http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6070064.Trust_fund_put_in_place/ | work =Lancashire Telegraph| date =2000-08-18|access-date =2016-03-04}}</ref> Blackburn Rovers were sold by the Jack Walker settlement in November 2010 to ].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/nov/19/venkys-completes-takeover-blackburn-rovers/ | work=The Guardian| title=Indian poultry giant Venky's completes takeover of Blackburn Rovers | date=2010-11-19}}</ref>

⚫ In May 2001, a blue plaque was placed at Walker's birthplace on Randall Street, Blackburn.<ref>{{cite news |title=Plaque for Jack unveiled |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6029979.plaque-jack-unveiled/ |access-date=11 July 2024 |work=Lancashire Telegraph |date=14 May 2001 |language=en}}</ref> In September 2001, the Jack Walker Memorial garden was unveiled at the Blackburn End of Ewood Park. Standing in the middle is a statue of Walker.<ref>{{cite news| title = Statue stirs glory days of Uncle Jack | url = http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6007670.Statue_stirs_glory_days_of_Uncle_Jack// | work =Lancashire Telegraph| date =2001-09-26| access-date =2016-02-27}}</ref> A road near Ewood Park was named "Jack Walker Way" in his honour.<ref>{{cite news| title = Jack Walker Way - Google Maps | url = https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Jack+Walker+Way,+Blackburn,+Blackburn+with+Darwen/@53.721462,-2.4927833,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x487b9fe4b3ac7451:0x727db7305efb75e | publisher =Google Maps| access-date =2016-02-28}}</ref>


On 17 August 2000, Walker died at 71 from cancer.<ref>{{cite news| title = Jack Walker dies aged 71 | url = http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6069883.Jack_Walker_dies_aged_71/ | publisher =Lancashire Telegraph| date =2000-08-18| accessdate =2016-02-27}}</ref> In 2011 former Rovers player ] spoke highly of Walker but criticised relatives. "The big shame is what his family have done since (Walker's death), because they haven’t given the club much for the last six years or so."<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/8918334.world-cup-agony-blackburn-rovers-hero// | work=Lancashire Telegraph | title=World Cup agony of Blackburn Rovers hero | date=2011-03-18}}</ref>


Also speaking in 2011 ] attacked the Jack Walker trust. "There are three groups of people to blame for the situation the club are in - the manager, Venky's and the Walker Trust. It has to be remembered the Walker Trust were the people who brought them in. They wanted to get out and were taking anyone's money to do that. All three have a lot to answer for."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/blackburn-club-legend-tony-parkes-3312519|work=Daily Mirror |title=Blackburn legend: Kean has to go before Rovers do}}</ref>
⚫ Before his death, Walker had put in place a family trust structure to own his various business interests, including the club.<ref>{{cite news| title = Trust fund put in place | url = http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6070064.Trust_fund_put_in_place/ | publisher =Lancashire Telegraph| date =2000-08-18|accessdate =2016-03-04}}</ref> Blackburn Rovers were sold by the Jack Walker settlement in November 2010 to Venky's.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/nov/19/venkys-completes-takeover-blackburn-rovers/ | work=The Guardian | title=Indian poultry giant Venky's completes takeover of Blackburn Rovers | date=2010-11-19}}</ref>


In 2015 former ] leader and Rovers fan ] publicly criticised Walker's daughter Lynda Matthewman. Farron stated "Part of me is cross with Lynda. I have to ask did they really do due diligence on the Venky's before they sold? This meant everything to her dad and they’ve sold it to a bunch of clowns."<ref>{{cite web|url = https://issuu.com/thealbionmagbrighton/docs/tam_issue_3/ |title=Brighton but only at home |date=8 December 2016 |publisher =The Albion Mag}}</ref>
⚫ In September 2001, the Jack Walker Memorial garden was unveiled at the Blackburn End of Ewood Park. Standing in the middle is a statue of Walker.<ref>{{cite news| title = Statue stirs glory days of Uncle Jack | url = http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6007670.Statue_stirs_glory_days_of_Uncle_Jack// | publisher =Lancashire Telegraph| date =2001-09-26| accessdate =2016-02-27}}</ref> A road near Ewood Park was named "Jack Walker Way" in his honour.<ref>{{cite news| title = Jack Walker Way - Google Maps | url = https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Jack+Walker+Way,+Blackburn,+Blackburn+with+Darwen/@53.721462,-2.4927833,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x487b9fe4b3ac7451:0x727db7305efb75e | publisher =Google Maps| accessdate =2016-02-28}}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 11:30, 10 October 2024

British industrialist and businessman For other people named Jack Walker, see Jack Walker (disambiguation).

Jack Walker
Jack Walker at Ewood Park at an unknown date between 1991 and 2000
Born(1929-05-19)19 May 1929
Blackburn, Lancashire, England
Died17 August 2000(2000-08-17) (aged 71)
St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands
NationalityBritish
Occupation(s)Businessman
Industrialist
Years active1942–2000
TitleOwner of Walkersteel
(1951–1989)
Owner of Blackburn Rovers F.C.
(1991–2000)

Jack Walker (19 May 1929 – 17 August 2000) was a British industrialist and businessman. Walker built his fortune in the steel industry, amassing a personal fortune of £600 million. He then went on to become the owner and benefactor of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, winning the 1994–95 FA Premier League under his guidance.

Business

Walkersteel

The youngest of three children, Walker was born in Blackburn and left school at 13. Walker worked as a sheet metal worker and a conscript craftsman in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In 1951, following the death of his father Charles, Walker took over the family sheet metal business. Walkersteel was built from a back-street scrap metal business to a major force in the steel industry. By 1990 Walker had built up the business so successfully that it had become the largest steel stockholder in Britain, employing 3,400 people at 50 sites. In 1988 the business was making an annual profit of £48m. Walkersteel completed a major deal with GKN, purchasing subsidiary GKN Steelstock. Following this Walker decided it was the right time to sell and opened negotiations with British Steel Corporation. Walkersteel was sold for a reported £360m, the highest price ever paid for a private company at the time. Walker's sale of Walkersteel proved to be a less successful investment for its new owners British Steel, as the steel market entered a steep slump as a result of the early 1990s recession. The Walkersteel brand has been revived following Walker's death but is linked in name only.

Jersey European Airways

In November 1983 the WalkerSteel group took over Jersey European Airways, already being the parent company to Blackpool based airline Spacegrand. The two airlines were initially run separately until 1985 when they were amalgamated and Exeter became the airline's headquarters and base for technical services.

The airline grew throughout the 1990s and was recognised in 1993 and 1994 when it won 'Best UK Regional Airline'. The new millennium saw the airline announce a new brand name at the beginning of May: British European. The rebrand reflected the size and scope of what was now the UK's third-largest scheduled airline. July 2002 saw the start of a new beginning for the airline, British European was forced to dramatically change its business model to survive in such a highly competitive and aggressive new low-cost travel era. Flybe was born and along with changes to commercial, fleet and operational policies that were to transform the airline. On 5 March 2020 Flybe ceased operating and went into administration.

At the airline's Head Office in Exeter there are two buildings named in his honour: Jack Walker House and the New Walker Hangar, both based on the Exeter International Airport complex.

In 2013 Jack Walker's estate sold its entire 48.1% shareholding in Flybe.

Blackburn Rovers

In 1988, Jack Walker donated building materials for the new Riverside Stand at Ewood Park. It is also thought that his money was used to pay for the acquisition and wages of Ossie Ardiles and Steve Archibald in the 1987–88 season.

Walker took full control of the club in January 1991 with the intention of turning Rovers into the greatest and most prosperous club England had ever seen. He also threatened to make Manchester United look "cheap" and further outlined his motivations in a 1992 documentary on the club. "I'm only interested in putting Rovers where they should be. Blackburn Rovers is one of the greatest football teams in England. They are one of the founder members and we want them right back on top." Within the first three years of his takeover Walker spent £25 million on new players. This included breaking the British transfer record twice, signing Alan Shearer from Southampton for £3.3 million in 1992 and Chris Sutton from Norwich City for £5 million in 1994.

The Ewood Park ground was reconstructed at a cost of more than £20 million to give it a capacity of just over 30,000, with the new Jack Walker Stand providing a lasting tribute. New training facilities and a youth academy were also constructed at Brockhall Village.

When Jack Walker bought Rovers, the 1990-91 season was half completed and they were just above the relegation zone. They had not played in the First Division since 1966 and their last major trophy had been won in 1928.

Manager Don Mackay initially used Walker's funds to make signings which helped ensure Rovers survival that season, and built the platform for a promotion challenge in 1991–92. Walker declared his ambition early on that Rovers would return to the top flight, establish themselves as a top side in England and eventually go on to compete with the very best clubs in Europe. Kenny Dalglish became manager in October 1991, and by May, Rovers had been promoted to the newly formed Premier League through the playoffs.

Walker was present at the 1994 FA Charity Shield leading the Rovers team onto the pitch at the old Wembley Stadium.

In the 1994-95 season, Rovers won the Premiership title with Manchester United finishing runners up. It was their first top division title for 81 years and their first major trophy for 67 years.

In the summer of 1996 Alan Shearer was top goalscorer at Euro 96 and was linked with a move to a host of leading English and continental clubs, but the main talk in the national media was that Shearer would join local rivals Manchester United. Jack Walker and the Lancashire Telegraph constantly dismissed rumours of Shearer joining Manchester United. Local journalist Peter White stated that the club should never be forgiven should Shearer be allowed to join Manchester United.

"Rovers should never be forgiven for allowing that to happen. They know they would never be forgiven if they let Shearer go to the club the Rovers fans love to hate. Fans might just live with a move to Barcelona or Milan but not to 'that lot.'"

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson expressed anger over his failure to sign Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers. Ferguson stated "I had a gut feeling that it wouldn't happen simply because Jack Walker hates Manchester United." Martin Edwards also confirmed Ferguson's attempt to sign Shearer had been blocked by Rovers. Ultimately Shearer moved to Newcastle United. In 2017 Edwards once again confirmed Walker's refusal to sell.

John Hall, then the Newcastle chairman, also stated that Walker did not want to sell Shearer to Manchester United.

Personal life and death

Away from Walkersteel and Blackburn Rovers, Walker invested in property development in and around Blackburn. He sponsored First Tower United, and Jersey Rugby Club after moving to St Helier in 1974.

Walker's primary motto in life and most famous quote was "think big".

On 17 August 2000, Walker died at 71 from cancer.

Legacy

Before his death, Walker had put in place a family trust structure to own his various business interests, including the club. Blackburn Rovers were sold by the Jack Walker settlement in November 2010 to Venky's.

In May 2001, a blue plaque was placed at Walker's birthplace on Randall Street, Blackburn. In September 2001, the Jack Walker Memorial garden was unveiled at the Blackburn End of Ewood Park. Standing in the middle is a statue of Walker. A road near Ewood Park was named "Jack Walker Way" in his honour.

In 2011 former Rovers player Fred Pickering spoke highly of Walker but criticised relatives. "The big shame is what his family have done since (Walker's death), because they haven’t given the club much for the last six years or so."

Also speaking in 2011 Tony Parkes attacked the Jack Walker trust. "There are three groups of people to blame for the situation the club are in - the manager, Venky's and the Walker Trust. It has to be remembered the Walker Trust were the people who brought them in. They wanted to get out and were taking anyone's money to do that. All three have a lot to answer for."

In 2015 former Liberal Democrats leader and Rovers fan Tim Farron publicly criticised Walker's daughter Lynda Matthewman. Farron stated "Part of me is cross with Lynda. I have to ask did they really do due diligence on the Venky's before they sold? This meant everything to her dad and they’ve sold it to a bunch of clowns."

References

  1. ^ Glanville, Brian. "Jack Walker". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  2. Savill, Richard (19 August 2000). "Local hero who led the Rovers to glory". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  3. "Press Release". European Commission Press Release Database.
  4. ^ Fox, Norman (16 August 1992). "Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker". The Independent. London. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  5. "Jack Walker". The Daily Telegraph. London. 19 August 2000.
  6. "Flybe Flights". directline-flights.co.uk. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  7. "Walker family sells Flybe shares". Manchester Evening News. 13 November 2013.
  8. Fox, Norman (16 August 1992). "Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker". The Independent. London.
  9. ""The Team That Jack Built"". Granada Television. 13 November 2013.
  10. Fox, Norman (16 August 1992). "Profile: Money, money, money man - Jack Walker". The Independent. London.
  11. "Kenny Dalglish at Blackburn". The Independent. London. 23 August 1996. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  12. "UK: NET LOSS - FOOTBALL CLUB CHAIRMEN". Management Today.
  13. "League Table Premier League 94/95". Statbunker. Retrieved 1 March 2016.
  14. "Bid for Shearer wide of the mark". Lancashire Telegraph. 11 July 1996.
  15. "August 1996". When Saturday Comes.
  16. "Record Transfer Sees Shearer to Newcastle". themoscowtimes.com.
  17. "The exact reason why Alan Shearer didn't join Manchester United has been revealed". JOE.co.uk. 23 September 2017.
  18. "Sir John Hall on the heartache of Newcastle United losing the Premier League title". Chronicle Live. 11 May 2021.
  19. "Jack Walker Tribute". BRFCS. 17 August 2011. Archived from the original on 1 March 2016.
  20. "Jack Walker dies aged 71". Lancashire Telegraph. 18 August 2000. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  21. "Trust fund put in place". Lancashire Telegraph. 18 August 2000. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
  22. "Indian poultry giant Venky's completes takeover of Blackburn Rovers". The Guardian. 19 November 2010.
  23. "Plaque for Jack unveiled". Lancashire Telegraph. 14 May 2001. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  24. "Statue stirs glory days of Uncle Jack". Lancashire Telegraph. 26 September 2001. Retrieved 27 February 2016.
  25. "Jack Walker Way - Google Maps". Google Maps. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  26. "World Cup agony of Blackburn Rovers hero". Lancashire Telegraph. 18 March 2011.
  27. "Blackburn legend: Kean has to go before Rovers do". Daily Mirror.
  28. "Brighton but only at home". The Albion Mag. 8 December 2016.
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