Ipswich Town's Christian Walton Feels Honored to Symbolize Cornwall in the EPL
As he prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield, Ipswich Town's Christian Walton is eager to make the most of his chance as the first-team goalkeeper. After making his debut in the club's first game of the season against Liverpool due to Aro Muric's injury, Walton found himself out of the spotlight, only to be surprisingly reinstated last month.
This second chance came at an opportune moment, coinciding with Ipswich Town's first home victory of the Premier League season against Chelsea. "It was an unbelievable moment," admits Walton. "Winning the game, keeping a clean sheet, it was an evening kick-off at Portman Road – a special occasion no matter who you're playing against."
Since that triumph, Walton has started every Premier League match for Ipswich, but a couple of home losses to Brighton and Manchester City have kept the club grounded, leaving them in the relegation zone. Despite the challenges, Walton has praised the fans for their patience and support during a tough season.
Walton has had an extensive journey in his football career, having been on loan to eight different teams during his nine years at Brighton. Although he has yet to earn a senior call-up for England's national team, he would love to emulate fellow Cornwall native Nigel Martyn, who played for England and made a significant impact on the Premier League.
Since joining Ipswich Town, Walton has been working closely with the club's goalkeeping coach, David Martin, who has been instrumental in Walton's development. His career path has been arduous in every sense, having grown up in Cornwall and earned a reputation as one of the few Cornishmen to make it to the Premier League.
After a brief spell on the sidelines due to an injury, Walton was given a special opportunity to play in the final moments of Ipswich's last home game of the 2022/23 season against Huddersfield Town. This nostalgic moment has stayed with Walton, embracing both the joy of playing at Portman Road and the sentiment of being part of Ipswich Town's history.
As they face Liverpool, Walton will have plenty of time to reflect on the challenge ahead. The fan favorite looks forward to stepping onto the field against the top-tier club, hoping to carry the momentum from his earlier successes and prove himself as a valuable asset to Ipswich Town.
Career Insights:
- Walton currently earns £17,000 per week playing for Ipswich Town, with a net worth of £4,336,800.
- Walton's contract with Ipswich Town expires on June 30, 2024.
- Since joining Ipswich Town in 2023, Walton's salary has increased from £12,000 to £17,000 per week.
- Prior to his time with Ipswich, Walton earned £8,400 per week while playing for Brighton and Hove Albion.
- Walton has been lauded for his goalkeeping capabilities and appreciates the supportive environment among the goalkeepers at Ipswich Town.
Walton's journey in football has seen him spend time on loan at eight different clubs during his nine years at Brighton, including a stint with Ipswich Town's rivals, Norwich City. However, his dream is to follow in the footsteps of another Cornishman, Nigel Martyn, who represented England and made a significant impact in the Premier League.
Jack Stephens, who currently plays for Southampton, was once a teammate of Walton at Ipswich Town. The two Cornishmen formed a strong bond during their time at the club, often reminiscing about their shared hometown and the challenges they overcame to reach the Premier League.
Walton's performance against Liverpool in his debut game for Ipswich Town was reminiscent of the Tractor Boys' famed goalkeeper, Jimmy Bullard, who gained notoriety for his exceptional performances against top-tier clubs, such as Manchester United and Arsenal.
In the 2022/23 season, Walton found himself sidelined due to an injury, but he was given a special opportunity to play in the final moments of Ipswich's last home game against Huddersfield Town. This nostalgic moment was particularly significant for Walton, as he got to enjoy playing at Portman Road and contribute to Ipswich Town's history.
As Walton prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield, he is inspired by the support of the Ipswich Town fans, who have remained patient and loyal despite the club's struggles in the Premier League. The Cornish goalkeeper is determined to prove himself as a valuable asset to the club and continue the tradition of exceptional goalkeeping at Portman Road, reminiscent oflegends like Nigel Martyn and Jimmy Bullard.
