Anton Walkes

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Anton Walkes.

A versatile defender who could also play in midfield, Anton was born in Lewisham and joined our Academy from grassroots football as an Under-14, where he progressed to become a full-time scholar in the summer of 2013, signing his first professional contract two years later.

He played for our first team during the 2016 pre-season tour of Australia and made one senior competitive appearance for us in our EFL Cup win over Gillingham at White Hart Lane in September, 2016.

A regular for our Under-18 and Under-21 sides, he joined Atlanta United on loan in January, 2017, remaining with them for the 2017 MLS season, before returning to the UK to join Portsmouth on loan in January, 2018, subsequently making a permanent move to Fratton Park that summer.

In January, 2020, Anton returned to Atlanta United, before being selected by North Carolina-based Charlotte FC in the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft, where he had remained ever since.

As a mark of respect, our first team will wear black armbands at this evening’s Premier League match against Manchester City, with all our Academy sides to wear black armbands for this weekend’s fixtures.

We should like to send our deepest condolences to Anton’s family and friends at this sad time.