Jonathan Walters

Walters was born in Moreton, Merseyside{{Hugman|20442|access-date=10 February 2018}} and started his career at Blackburn Rovers having been spotted by playing for Shaftesbury under 16s in the Eastham & District Junior League by Rovers' scout for Wirral and Wales, Mike O'Brien who moved quickly to sign him.{{cite web|title=Wirral's footballing Rovers; Exclusive report: Youngsters from Peninsula snapped up by Blackburn's youth Academy to train as stars of future.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Wirral's+footballing+Rovers%3b+Exclusive+report%3a+Youngsters+from...-a080334344|work=Liverpool Daily Post|access-date=6 January 2013}} He played for Blackburn's youth and reserve teams where he scored prolifically, helping the club reach the FA Youth Cup final in 2001, losing 6–3 on aggregate to Arsenal.{{cite web|title=Seconds for young Guns; Blackburn 3 Arsenal 1 (Agg: 3–6).|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOOTBALL%3a+Seconds+for+young+Guns%3b+Blackburn+3+Arsenal+1+(Agg%3a+3-6).-a074910692|work=The Mirror|access-date=6 January 2013}} However his promising career with Rovers was ended due to a 'serious breach of club discipline' which was described as 'totally out of character' and saw him suspended by the club.{{cite web|title=Blackburn suspend Irish star in new club scandal|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3a+Blackburn+suspend+Irish+star+in+new+club+scandal.-a084286468|work=The People|access-date=6 January 2013}}

He then joined Bolton Wanderers for a fee of £50,000 following interest from numerous clubs. He played in four Premier League games for Bolton making his professional debut as an 85th-minute substitute in a 2–1 defeat to Charlton Athletic, before signing for Hull City on loan in 2003.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2858585.stm|title=Hull keep Walters|access-date=18 August 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport | date=21 March 2003}} On his debut for Hull Walters scored twice in a 5–1 win over Carlisle United.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/2789929.stm|title=Carlisle 1–5 Hull |access-date=31 October 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2003}} Following his loan spell at Hull, Walters returned to Bolton, where he again went out on loan, this time to Crewe Alexandra{{cite web|url=http://origin-www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~409455,00.html |title=Walters keen to show what he can do |access-date=18 August 2010 |publisher=crewealex.net }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} however he failed to make an appearance for Crewe due to a tooth infection. In the 2003–04 season he joined Barnsley on loan and played eight league games for the "Tykes".{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3264815.stm|title=Walters joins Tykes |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2011}}

Walters signed for Hull City for a second time in 2004, this time on a permanent transfer.{{cite web|url=http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10338~350371,00.html |title=Walters Included As Tigers Seek Victory |access-date=18 August 2010 |publisher=hullcityafc.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329135210/http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10338~350371%2C00.html |archive-date=29 March 2012 }} In February 2005, he joined Scunthorpe United on a one-month loan deal and made three appearances for the "Iron".{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4224123.stm|title=Scunthorpe snap up Angus on loan|access-date=31 October 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 January 2005}}

After scoring only three goals for Hull in two seasons, Walters was sold to League Two side Wrexham.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/humber/content/articles/2005/07/01/010705_hullcity_feature.shtml|title=Tigers sell striker|access-date=18 August 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport}} Upon signing for the club, Walters believed that he made the right choice moving closer to his Merseyside home.{{cite news|title=Walters upbeat on Wrexham future|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4644673.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=3 July 2005 |access-date=6 January 2013}} He played in 41 matches in the 2005–06 season, scoring against Cheltenham Town, Stockport County, Torquay United (twice) and Mansfield Town.{{cite news|title=Wrexham 2–0 Cheltenham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/4211094.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=10 September 2005 |access-date=6 January 2013}}{{cite news|title=Wrexham 4–2 Torquay|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/4322342.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=15 October 2005 |access-date=6 January 2013}}{{cite news|title=Wrexham 4–1 Mansfield|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/4494624.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2005 |access-date=6 January 2013}}{{cite news|title=Wrexham 3–0 Stockport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/4277930.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=October 2005 |access-date=6 January 2013}}

He spent the 2005–06 season at Wrexham before he joined their rivals Chester City in 2006.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5105268.stm|title=Walters completes Chester switch|access-date=18 August 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport | date=23 June 2006}} Walters thrived under the management of Mark Wright and scored ten goals in 33 matches. He impressed in an FA Cup tie against Ipswich Town, prompting Ipswich manager Jim Magilton to make a £100,000 bid for Walters, which was accepted.{{cite web|title=Jonathan Walters: How Chester FC helped turn the striker into a Premier League star and Irish national hero|url=http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jonathan-walters-how-chester-fc-10456391?|website=The Chester Chronicle|date=17 November 2015 |access-date=17 November 2015}}

File:Jonathan Walters.png

Walters agreed terms with Ipswich on a deal worth £100,000 plus add-ons in mid-January 2007, having impressed in FA Cup ties between the clubs earlier in the month.{{cite web|title=New boy Jon looking up |publisher=Ipswich Town Football Club |date=26 January 2007 |url=http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~971363,00.html |access-date=14 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328113055/http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10272~971363%2C00.html |archive-date=28 March 2012 }} He made his debut for Ipswich on 30 January 2007 in a 0–0 draw at Stoke City.{{cite web|url=http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10272~34280,00.html |title=Stoke City vs Ipswich Town |access-date=4 June 2011 |publisher=itfc.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328112733/http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10272~34280%2C00.html |archive-date=28 March 2012 }} Walters scored his first goal for Ipswich in their 2–1 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Portman Road on 3 March 2007.{{cite web|title=Ipswich Town 2–1 QPR |publisher=Ipswich Town Football Club |date=3 March 2007 |url=http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10272~33815,00.html |access-date=14 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516192312/http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10272~33815%2C00.html |archive-date=16 May 2008 }} Walters ended the 2006–07 season with goals against Barnsley and a brace on the final day of the season against Cardiff City.{{cite web|title=Ipswich 5–1 Barnsley|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6513491.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 June 2013|date=7 April 2007}} He scored his first ever senior hat-trick in the 6–0 win over Bristol City in November 2007 at Portman Road,{{cite web|title=Jon celebrates in style |publisher=Ipswich Town Football Club |date=10 November 2007 |url=http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1165040,00.html |access-date=14 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328113125/http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10272~1165040%2C00.html |archive-date=28 March 2012 }}{{cite web|title=Town 6–0 Bristol City |publisher=Ipswich Town Football Club |date=10 November 2007 |url=http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1164866,00.html |access-date=14 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328113159/http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10272~1164866%2C00.html |archive-date=28 March 2012 }} in the same week he received a call-up to the Republic of Ireland B squad.{{cite web|url=http://origin-www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1163323,00.html|title=Jon gets B call|access-date=31 October 2010|publisher=ipswichtownfc.com}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On 12 January 2008, he extended his contract with Ipswich until 2011.{{cite web|title=Jon signs new deal |publisher=Ipswich Town Football Club |date=12 January 2008 |url=http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1213443,00.html |access-date=14 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328113244/http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10272~1213443%2C00.html |archive-date=28 March 2012 }} He had surgery on a niggling knee problem on 19 March 2008 and returned to action against Norwich City on 13 April in half the expected time.

Walters played 41 times for Ipswich scoring 13 goals in 2007–08 as the Tractor Boys missed out on a play-off place by just one point.{{cite web|title=Ipswich 1–0 Hull|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7368621.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 June 2013|date=4 May 2008}} His performances during the season earned him the Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year awards.{{cite web|title=Jon Honoured |publisher=Ipswich Town Football Club |date=23 April 2008 |url=http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1296233,00.html |access-date=23 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328113258/http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10272~1296233%2C00.html |archive-date=28 March 2012 }} The 2008–09 season saw Walters again play 41 matches, scoring seven goals as Ipswich failed to build on last season and finished in 9th position. The 2009–10 season under the management of Roy Keane saw Ipswich struggle to score goals with Walters top-scoring with only eight and Ipswich finished the season in a poor 15th position.{{cite web|title=Roy Keane eyes new Ipswich frontman|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8688124.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 June 2013|date=17 May 2010}} In August 2010, Walters expressed to Roy Keane his desire to leave Portman Road after Stoke City made an offer for him.{{cite web|title=Ipswich Town yet to accept Jon Walters bid|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8909508.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 June 2013|date=12 August 2010}}

On 18 August 2010, Walters joined Premier League side Stoke City for an initial £2.75 million fee on a four-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2126776,00.html |title=City Complete Swoop For Walters |access-date=18 August 2010 |publisher=Stoke City F.C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819224036/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2126776%2C00.html |archive-date=19 August 2010 }}{{cite web|title=Stoke sign striker Jon Walters from Ipswich for £2.75m|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8925794.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=4 June 2013|date=18 August 2010}} He made his Stoke debut on 21 August 2010 against Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8928595.stm|title=Stoke 1–2 Tottenham|access-date=21 August 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport | date=21 August 2010}} He scored his first goal on 24 August 2010 in a 2–1 Football League Cup win over Shrewsbury Town.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8936716.stm|title=Stoke 2–1 Shrewsbury |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 August 2010}} He scored his first league goal for Stoke on 2 October 2010 in a 1–0 win over Blackburn Rovers.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9044216.stm|title=Stoke 1–0 Blackburn |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 October 2010}} After the match, Walters earned praise from his former manager Sam Allardyce,{{cite news|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2172816,00.html |title=Allardyce Praise For Walters |publisher=Stoke City F.C |date=4 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006022923/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2172816%2C00.html |archive-date= 6 October 2010 }} and City manager Tony Pulis.{{cite news|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2173471,00.html |title=Walters An Inspiration To Others |publisher=Stoke City F.C |date=4 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005050634/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2173471%2C00.html |archive-date= 5 October 2010 }} In November, Walters scored twice for Stoke in a 3–0 win over West Bromwich Albion, the first goal coming from the penalty spot and the other via a rebound from Scott Carson.{{cite news|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10310~51845,00.html |title=Two-Goal Walters Seals City Triumph |publisher=Stoke City F.C |date=21 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122105034/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10310~51845%2C00.html |archive-date=22 January 2011 }}

In January 2011, Walters scored twice for City in a 2–0 FA Cup third round replay win at Cardiff City.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9363849.stm|title=Cardiff 0–2 Stoke |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 January 2011}} It took him until the end of March 2011 to find the back of the net in the Premier League again, scoring in a 4–0 win over Newcastle United.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9426553.stm|title=Stoke 4–0 Newcastle|publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 April 2011}} He scored in the next match against Chelsea and was named as Man of the Match.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9439822.stm|title=Stoke 1–1 Chelsea|publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 April 2011}} Following the match, Tony Pulis spoke of his delight at Walters' improved performances. "Jon's come from the Championship and sometimes it takes time to have the confidence and the belief to make the step up. He had an up-and-down start but he's been fantastic for us. He's certainly my type of player, he gives everything, he never stops and whatever you've paid him, you know he's earned it."{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9445107.stm|title=Stoke City striker Jon Walters gets plaudits from Pulis|publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 April 2011}}

Walters scored twice in Stoke's 5–0 rout over former club Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley to help Stoke into their first FA Cup Final.{{cite web|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10310~55033,00.html |title=Rampant City Make History |access-date=18 April 2011 |publisher=Stoke City F.C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421073119/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/MatchReport/0%2C%2C10310~55033%2C00.html |archive-date=21 April 2011 }}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9457501.stm|title=Bolton 0–5 Stoke|access-date=18 April 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 April 2011}} Walters described it as the pinnacle of his career.{{cite web|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2340913,00.html |title='The Pinnacle of My Career' – Walters |access-date=18 April 2011 |publisher=Stoke City F.C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419190631/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2340913%2C00.html |archive-date=19 April 2011 }} Walters ended the 2010–11 season as joint top goalscorer with Kenwyne Jones, both having scored 12 goals.{{cite web|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2367930,00.html |title=Kenwyne's Aim |access-date=6 June 2011 |publisher=Stoke City F.C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601211957/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2367930%2C00.html |archive-date= 1 June 2011 }} His first goal against Bolton in the semi-final won Goal of the Season.{{cite web|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2365597,00.html |title=Huth And Walters Scoop Top Awards |access-date=6 June 2011 |publisher=Stoke City F.C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526235433/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2365597%2C00.html |archive-date=26 May 2011 }} He played in the 2011 FA Cup Final against Manchester City as Stoke lost 1–0.{{cite news|title=Man City 1–0 Stoke|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13346941|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 June 2013}}

Walters played in his first European match on 28 July against Hajduk Split where he scored the only goal in a 1–0 Stoke win.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/14321291.stm|title=Stoke 1–0 Hajduk Split|access-date=29 July 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 July 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3427718,00.html? |title=Stoke 1–0 Hajduk |access-date=29 July 2011 |publisher=skysports |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023173050/http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0%2C19764%2C11065_3427718%2C00.html |archive-date=23 October 2012 }} He signed a 12-month contract extension in August 2011.{{cite web|title=Walters agrees extended stay|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Walters-agrees-extended-stay/story-13165195-detail/story.html#axzz2V5taEzKG|work=The Sentinel|access-date=4 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914001753/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Walters-agrees-extended-stay/story-13165195-detail/story.html#axzz2V5taEzKG|archive-date=14 September 2011}} Walters went on to play in 31 matches during the first half of the 2011–12 season scoring seven goals.{{cite web|title=I'm up for FA Cup trip, vows marathon man Walters|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-14323823-detail/story.html?|work=The Sentinel|access-date=4 January 2012}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|title=Stoke striker Jonathan Walters: I don't need a break|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16410386.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=4 January 2012}} In March 2012, Walters won the Sir Stanley Matthews Potteries Footballers of the Year award for 2012.{{cite web|title=Walters and Loft pick up prestigious Sir Stan Matthews award|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-15516985-detail/story.html?|work=The Sentinel|access-date=14 March 2012}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Speaking after picking up the award, Walters revealed that he would like to remain at Stoke for the rest of his career.{{cite web|title=Top Potter Walters wants to stay a Stokie|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Potter-Walters-wants-stay-Stokie/story-15516920-detail/story.html|work=The Sentinel|access-date=14 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316221243/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Potter-Walters-wants-stay-Stokie/story-15516920-detail/story.html|archive-date=16 March 2012}} By 21 April 2012, Walters had played in 50 matches during the 2011–12 campaign and scored nine goals of which five were penalties. This led to Walters being criticised by some Stoke supporters but he was backed by his manager.{{cite web|title=Pulis sticks with hard-working Walters|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-15890985-detail/story.html?|work=The Sentinel|access-date=23 April 2012}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On his 100th appearance for Stoke, Walters scored twice against his old club Bolton Wanderers in a 2–2 draw on the final day of the season, a result which relegated the "Trotters".{{cite news|title=Stoke 2–2 Bolton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17973085|work=BBC Sport|access-date=13 May 2012}}

File:Nacho Monreal & Jonathan Walters (8438734033).jpg

Walters continued to be a virtual ever-present in the 2012–13 season as he went on to make a club-record 61 consecutive Premier League starts by 3 November 2012.{{cite web|title=Tony Pulis threatens axe ahead of QPR clash|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Tony-Pulis-threatens-axe-ahead-QPR/story-17246209-detail/story.html|work=The Sentinel|access-date=1 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213150729/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Tony-Pulis-threatens-axe-ahead-QPR/story-17246209-detail/story.html|archive-date=13 December 2012}} He scored a well-worked set-piece in a 1–1 draw against West Ham United which earned praise from pundit Gary Neville.{{cite web|title=Gary Neville was spot on, Jon Walters scored a good goal, says Tony Pulis|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Gary-Neville-spot-Jon-Walters-scored/story-17412272-detail/story.html|work=The Sentinel|access-date=1 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116152609/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Gary-Neville-spot-Jon-Walters-scored/story-17412272-detail/story.html|archive-date=16 January 2013}} He scored twice against Liverpool on Boxing Day 2012 in a 3–1 victory.{{cite news|title=Stoke 3–1 Liverpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20778968|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 December 2012}}

On 12 January 2013, whilst playing against Chelsea, Walters scored two own goals becoming only the fourth player to do so in the Premier League, he also missed a penalty in the match as Stoke lost 4–0.{{cite news|title=Stoke 0–4 Chelsea|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20919045|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 January 2013}} He made amends three days later, scoring twice in an FA Cup third round replay victory over Crystal Palace.{{cite news|title=Stoke 4–1 Crystal Palace|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20942588|work=BBC Sport|access-date=16 January 2013}} Walters played in every match in the 2012–13 season and was the club's top-scorer with 11 goals. The final game of the season against Southampton was his 89th consecutive league start.{{cite web|title=Jon Walters aiming to sign off for season with 10 goals|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Jon-Walters-aiming-sign-season-10/story-19013745-detail/story.html#axzz2TooHwWzk|work=The Sentinel|access-date=20 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608115657/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Jon-Walters-aiming-sign-season-10/story-19013745-detail/story.html#axzz2TooHwWzk|archive-date=8 June 2013}}

Walters made a bad start to the 2013–14 season against Liverpool. After being awarded a last-minute penalty, he saw his shot easily saved by Simon Mignolet and Stoke went on to lose the match 1–0.{{cite web|title=Geoff Cameron pays tribute to Walters after Anfield penalty miss|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/story-19677036-detail/story.html?#axzz2cOe7XenU|work=The Sentinel|access-date=19 August 2013}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} However, despite this Walters insisted that he would not shy away from taking penalties.{{cite web|title=Jon Walters ready to take Stoke City's next penalty|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Jon-Walters-ready-Stoke-City-s-penalty/story-19685947-detail/story.html#axzz2cOe7XenU|work=The Sentinel|access-date=22 August 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824061600/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Jon-Walters-ready-Stoke-City-s-penalty/story-19685947-detail/story.html#axzz2cOe7XenU|archive-date=24 August 2013}} On 10 November 2013, Walters featured in his 100th consecutive Premier League match and marked the occasion by scoring in a 3–3 draw with Swansea City.{{cite news|title=Swansea 3–3 Stoke|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24792968|work=BBC Sport|access-date=10 November 2013}} His run of 102 consecutive league starts ended on 4 December 2013 against Cardiff City after picking up an injury.{{cite web|title=Stoke City v Cardiff City: Walters out, Arnautovic in|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-v-Cardiff-City-Walters-Arnautovic/story-20259081-detail/story.html|work=Stoke Sentinel|access-date=5 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206090715/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-v-Cardiff-City-Walters-Arnautovic/story-20259081-detail/story.html|archive-date=6 December 2013}} Walters scored a penalty against Arsenal in a 1–0 win on 1 March 2014.{{cite news|title=Stoke 1–0 Arsenal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26301137|work=BBC Sport|access-date=1 March 2014}} He also scored from the spot in the next match against Norwich City but was later sent off for the first time in his career for a high challenge on Alexander Tettey.{{cite news|title=Norwich 1–1 Stoke|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26396250|work=BBC Sport|access-date=8 March 2014}} Walters ended the 2013–14 season with five goals in 36 matches as the Potters finished in 9th position.

Walters opened his account for the 2014–15 season with a brace against Portsmouth in the League Cup.{{cite news|title=Stoke 3–0 Portsmouth|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28862713|access-date=17 November 2014}} He also scored winning goals against Swansea City, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.{{cite news|title=Stoke 2–1 Swansea|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29586592|access-date=17 November 2014}}{{cite news|title=Tottenham 1–2 Stoke|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29868773|access-date=17 November 2014}}{{cite news|title=Stoke 3–2 Arsenal|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30257121|access-date=11 December 2014}} On 31 January 2015, Walters became the first Stoke player to score a Premier League hat-trick in a 3–1 victory over Queens Park Rangers.{{cite news|title=Stoke 3–1 QPR|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30963548|access-date=31 January 2015}} Walters scored his 50th Stoke goal on 24 May 2015 in a 6–1 victory against Liverpool.{{cite news|title=Stoke 6–1 Liverpool|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32770765|access-date=27 May 2015}} In total, he scored 11 goals in 36 appearances in 2014–15 as Stoke finished in ninth position for a second consecutive season.

With Walters entering into the final year of his contract, Stoke rejected a bid from Norwich City at the start of the 2015–16 season.{{cite news|title=Jon Walters: Stoke City reject Norwich City's £1.5m bid|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34015361|access-date=29 August 2015}} Walters vented his frustration with contract talks claiming the club were undervaluing him.{{cite news|title=Jon Walters: Stoke striker does not feel 'valued' by contract offer|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34073598|access-date=29 August 2015}} This led to him handing in a transfer request but despite this he failed to secure a move away from the club.{{cite web|title=Why fans will surely forgive Jon Walters for that transfer request|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-fans-surely-forgive-Jon-Walters/story-27716915-detail/story.html|website=Stoke Sentinel|access-date=1 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904205631/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Stoke-City-fans-surely-forgive-Jon-Walters/story-27716915-detail/story.html|archive-date=4 September 2015}} Walters then scored in back-to-back matches against Leicester City and Bournemouth.{{cite news|title=Stoke 2–2 Leicester|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34191895|access-date=1 October 2015}}{{cite news|title=Stoke 2–1 Bournemouth|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34299638|access-date=1 October 2015}} Chief executive Tony Scholes stated that he hoped the club could reach a 'compromise' with Walters over his contract.{{cite news|title=Jon Walters: Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes keen to compromise|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34392088|access-date=1 October 2015}} His contract dispute was resolved and he signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal with Stoke on 7 November 2015.{{cite news|title=Jon Walters: Stoke City forward signs new contract|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34756677|access-date=7 November 2015}} Walters played 33 times in 2015–16, scoring eight goals as the Potters again finished in ninth position.

Walters played 24 times in 2016–17, scoring four goals as Stoke finished in 13th.{{cite web|title=Stoke 2016/17 Premier League season review|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11701/10887143/stoke-201617-premier-league-season-review|website=Sky Sports|access-date=22 May 2017}}

On 7 July 2017, Walters joined fellow Premier League side Burnley on a two-year contract for a fee of £3 million.{{cite web|title=Walters Waltzes into Turf Moor|url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2017/july/walters-joins-the-clarets/|publisher=Burnley F.C.|date=7 July 2017|access-date=7 July 2017|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816233205/https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2017/july/walters-joins-the-clarets/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=City forward joins Burnley in a £3M deal...|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/walters-bids-farewell|publisher=Stoke City F.C.|first=Mark|last=Mothershaw|date=7 July 2017|access-date=7 July 2017}} He was restricted to just five appearances in the 2017–18 season as he struggled with a recurring knee injury and on his return to action wasn't able to force his way into Sean Dyche's plans.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/jon-walters-expecting-leave-burnley-12592235|title=Jon Walters expecting to leave Burnley this summer|newspaper=Irish Mirror|first=Paul|last=O'Hehir|date=24 May 2018|access-date=6 June 2018}}

Walters re-joined Ipswich Town, on loan, on 30 August 2018.{{Cite web | url = http://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/jon-walters-back-at-ipswich-town-1-5674733 | work = East Anglian Daily Times | title = Jon Walters is back at Ipswich Town – striker joins on loan from Burnley ahead of East Anglian derby | first = Stuart | last = Watson|date = 31 August 2018 | access-date = 31 August 2018}} However, after making only three appearances for the club, Walters was ruled out for six months due to an Achilles injury on 26 September, making him unavailable for the rest of his loan spell at the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45658889|title=Jon Walters: Ipswich Town's on-loan Burnley striker out for six months|date=26 September 2018|publisher=BBC News|access-date=21 October 2018}}

Walters announced his retirement from football on 22 March 2019 after struggling to recover from his Achilles injury.{{cite news |title=Jonathan Walters: Striker announces retirement from football |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47672451 |access-date=22 March 2019}}

File:FIFA WC-qualification 2014 - Austria vs Ireland 2013-09-10 - Jon Walters 01.jpg

Walters qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland national team through his Irish mother. He made his international debut for Republic of Ireland U21 against Switzerland in October 2003, scoring twice in a 2–0 win.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/republic_of_ireland/3180626.stm|title=Irish U21s stun Swiss

|publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 October 2003}} He also played for the Republic of Ireland B team against Scotland B team in 2007. In 2010, Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni stated that he could give Walters a call up to the national side in the future.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6436761,00.html|title=Walters set for Irish chance|publisher=Skysports |date=31 October 2010}} He was called up in November 2010 for the friendly match against Norway{{cite news|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2209603,00.html |title=Walters Receives Ireland Call-Up |publisher=stokecityfc.com |date=5 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110023327/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2209603%2C00.html |archive-date=10 November 2010 }} and was brought on as a half-time substitute in that game to make his senior international début.{{cite news|url=http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2223952,00.html |title=Mixed Emotions For Walters |publisher=stokecityfc.com |date=18 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121025739/http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10310~2223952%2C00.html |archive-date=21 November 2010 }} Walters was given the nod ahead of Simon Cox in the crucial Play-off game against Estonia and Walters repaid by scoring his first international goal in the 4–0 victory over Estonia in Tallinn in the first leg of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/1111/estonia_ireland_report.html |last=Houston |first=Rory |title=Estonia 0–4 Republic of Ireland |date=11 November 2011 |publisher=RTÉ Sport |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113005410/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/1111/estonia_ireland_report.html |archive-date=13 November 2011 }} On 26 March 2013, Walters scored two goals against Austria before a late strike from David Alaba gave the Austrians a 2–2 draw.

Walters scored twice in a UEFA Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 16 November 2015 to earn Ireland a 2–0 victory and qualification to UEFA Euro 2016.{{cite news|title=Jon Walters underlines Martin O'Neill's Republic of Ireland philosophy|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/nov/16/jon-walters-martin-o-neill-republic-of-ireland-bosnia-herzegovina-euro-2016-play-off|website=The Guardian|date=16 November 2015 |access-date=16 November 2015|last1=Doyle |first1=Paul }}{{cite news|title=Martin O'Neill hopes Republic of Ireland can repeat glory days|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34836710|access-date=16 November 2015}}

In May 2021, Walters was invited to join the coaching staff of Republic of Ireland U19s for a three-day training camp based in England.{{cite web|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jon-walters-stoke-city-ireland-5431301|title=New coaching role for Stoke City hero Jon Walters - and call up for Stephen Ireland's son Josh|publisher=Stoke Sentinel|last=Smith|first=Peter|date=19 May 2021|accessdate=22 February 2024}} In December 2022, Walters was appointed Technical Director of League One club Fleetwood Town. In addition to this, he would also hold the role at Fleetwood's sister club Waterford.{{cite web|url=https://www.fleetwoodtownfc.com/news/2022/december/walters-jonathan-walters-becomes-fleetwood-and-waterford-fc-technical-director/|title=Jonathan Walters becomes Fleetwood Town's new Technical Director|website=www.fleetwoodtownfc.com|date=23 December 2022|accessdate=22 February 2024}} He left these roles after six months at the end of the 2022–23 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41133694.html|title=Jonathan Walters steps down from role as Technical Director of Waterford FC and Fleetwood Town|publisher=Irish Examiner|last=Horgan|first=Andrew|date=7 May 2023|accessdate=22 February 2024}} On 22 February 2024, following the departure of Ricky Martin, Walters returned to former club Stoke City in the role of Interim Technical Director.{{cite web|url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2024/february/22/ricky-martin-leaves-stoke-city/|title=Ricky Martin leaves Stoke City|website=www.stokecityfc.com|date=22 February 2024|accessdate=22 February 2024}} In April 2024 Walters, was appointed as sporting director on a permanent basis.{{cite web |title=Walters appointed Potters' Sporting Director |url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2024/april/08/walters-appointed-potters-sporting-director/ |website=Stoke City |access-date=8 April 2024}}

Walters was brought up in Moreton, Merseyside, and the house in which he lived was opposite a number of community football pitches.Stoke City official matchday magazine 13 September 2010 He grew up supporting Everton.{{cite news |url=http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/chester-sport/liverpool-fc-news/2011/09/12/everton-fc-supporting-jon-walters-delighted-to-score-winner-for-stoke-city-against-liverpool-fc-59067-29404180/?|title=Everton FC-supporting Jon Walters delighted to score winner for Stoke City against Liverpool FC|publisher=Chester Chronicle |date=12 September 2011}} He is married and has two daughters and a son.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9437870.stm|title=Five Republic players released for Uruguay friendly|publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 March 2011}} One of his daughters, Scarlett was born with gastroschisis.{{cite news |url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0254-0d7e98a5d368-9b6deac5bf65-1000--walters-counts-his-blessings-with-ireland/|title=Walters counts his blessings with Ireland|publisher=UEFA |date=14 June 2012}} His mother died when he was young and was brought up by his father James, along with his brothers Aidan and James and his sister Samantha.{{cite web|title=Old loyalties put on hold as Walters goes gunning for club he supported as a boy|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Old-loyalties-hold-Walters-goes/story-14030030-detail/story.html|work=The Sentinel|access-date=3 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116152634/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Old-loyalties-hold-Walters-goes/story-14030030-detail/story.html|archive-date=16 January 2013}}

{{notelist}}

:Scores and results list Republic of Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Walters goal.

Blackburn Rovers

• FA Youth Cup runner-up: 2000–01{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/jonathan-walters/15748/ |title=J.WALTERS |website=Soccerway |publisher=Perform Group |access-date=21 November 2015}}

Hull City

• Football League One runner-up: 2004–05
• Football League Third Division runner-up: 2003–04

Stoke City

• FA Cup runner-up: 2010–11

Republic of Ireland

• Nations Cup: 2011{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/may/29/republic-ireland-scotland-nations-cup|title=Robbie Keane earns Ireland deciding win over Scotland in Nations Cup|date=29 May 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 May 2020}}

Individual

• Ipswich Town Player of the Year: 2007–08{{cite web|title=Double joy for Ipswich's Walters|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7362403.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 June 2013|date=23 April 2008}}
• Ipswich Town Players' Player of the Year: 2007–08
• Ipswich Town Goal of the Season: 2008–09{{cite news|title=Wright the Players' Player of the Year |url=https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/14504/wright-the-players-player-of-the-year |publisher=TWTD |date=21 April 2009 |access-date=24 March 2020}}
• FAI International Football Awards – Senior International Player of the Year: 2015{{cite web|url= http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/we-were-written-off-in-the-qualifiers-and-im-sure-it-will-be-the-same-at-the-euros-jon-walters-scoops-international-player-of-the-year-award-34557004.html|title='We were written off in the qualifiers and I'm sure it will be the same at the Euros' – Jon Walters scoops international Player of the Year award|date=20 March 2016|work=Irish Independent|access-date=24 March 2016}}

• List of Republic of Ireland international footballers born outside the Republic of Ireland

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Jonathan Walters}}

• [https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/teams/first-team/forward/jonathan-walters/ Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804214148/https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/teams/first-team/forward/jonathan-walters/ |date=4 August 2017 }} at the Burnley F.C. website
• [http://www.fai.ie/ireland/player/74101 Profile] at the Football Association of Ireland website
• {{Soccerbase}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Awards

| bg = gold

| fg = navy

| list1 =

{{FAI Senior International Player of the Year}}

{{Ipswich Town F.C. Player of the Year}}

}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Republic of Ireland squads

| bg = green

| fg = white

| bordercolor = silver

| list1 =

{{Republic of Ireland squad UEFA Euro 2012}}

{{Republic of Ireland squad UEFA Euro 2016}}

}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Walters, Jonathan}}

Category:1983 births

Category:Living people

Category:Sportspeople from Wirral

Category:Footballers from Merseyside

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers

Category:Republic of Ireland men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Republic of Ireland men's B international footballers

Category:Republic of Ireland men's international footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Blackburn Rovers F.C. players

Category:Bolton Wanderers F.C. players

Category:Hull City A.F.C. players

Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players

Category:Barnsley F.C. players

Category:Scunthorpe United F.C. players

Category:Wrexham A.F.C. players

Category:Chester City F.C. players

Category:Ipswich Town F.C. players

Category:Stoke City F.C. players

Category:Burnley F.C. players

Category:Premier League players

Category:English Football League players

Category:UEFA Euro 2012 players

Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players

Category:Association football technical directors

Category:Fleetwood Town F.C. non-playing staff

Category:Stoke City F.C. non-playing staff

Category:21st-century English sportsmen

Category:21st-century Irish sportsmen