Mark Wallington, who initially joined as a backup for Peter Shilton in 1972, solidified his position as the main goalkeeper for the First Team following Shilton’s departure from Filbert Street in November 1974. This marked the commencement of an illustrious career that left a lasting legacy at Leicester City Football Club.
In January 1975, Wallington embarked on a remarkable run, playing in 331 consecutive games for the club, setting a record that stood until March 1982. His outstanding performances during this period also earned him recognition as an England Under-23s international and captain. Notably, he played a pivotal role in leading City to promotion as second tier champions in 1980.
However, Wallington’s seven-year run came to an end due to an injury sustained during the 1982 FA Cup Quarter-Final against Shrewsbury Town. Despite this setback, he made a strong comeback in the following season and once again became a mainstay in the side.
In recognition of his contributions, Mark Wallington was granted a testimonial after completing a decade at Leicester. The testimonial included a special match at Filbert Street against Nottingham Forest on 2nd October 1982, which unfortunately ended in a 2-0 victory for the opposition.
One of the notable fundraisers for Wallington’s testimonial was a specially designed football. The ball featured two hexagonal white panels inscribed with ‘MARK WALLINGTON 1972-1982’ and ‘OFFICIAL TESTIMONIAL BALL’, as well as the Club’s crest. The remaining panels were adorned with the autographs of each player in the First Team squad, including Wallington himself, as well as other football personalities such as Gary Lineker, Alan Smith, and many more.
When Mark departed from Leicester City in July 1985, only two players in the Club’s history, Graham Cross and Adam Black, had made more appearances than him. This stands as a testament to the impact and influence he had during his time at the club.
Decades later, Leicester City is proud to see another footballing legend, Jamie Vardy, surpassing Wallington’s record by making his 461st appearance during the home fixture against Southampton in April of this season.
Mark Wallington’s legacy remains deeply entrenched in the club’s history, serving as a reminder of the impact and influence of his extraordinary football career at Leicester City.