Having appeared for Stoke and Blackpool earlier in his career, Walter Bussey made around 75 league appearances for Exeter City between 1936 and 1939. He joined the club from Swansea Town and later became a trainer at St James’ Park whilst settling in the local area. 

Walter had been signed by Stoke City from Denaby United in 1925 having previously played for Dinnington Colliery, Anston and Aughton Common Celtic. He soon became a regular at Stoke, netting 46 goals in 185 league outings during eight years at the Victoria Ground, before moving to Blackpool in 1933 for a fee of £1,050 where he played 25 league matches (scoring 8 goals).

Walter then spent two seasons with Swansea Town - scoring 18 goals in 72 league starts - prior to arriving at Exeter City where much was expected of the 32-year-old when he made his debut against Swindon Town in December 1936. Known for his defence-splitting passes, Walter played 20 league games in his first season (scoring 5 times) followed by 36 league games (6 goals) in 1937/38 and 19 league appearances (5 goals) in the final season before the war.

He was also part of the City side that beat Leicester City 3-1 in the 4th round of the FA Cup on 30 January 1937 (when he scored) and lost 5-3 at Preston in the 5th round.

Aged thirty-five at the time of war, Walter's playing career had reached its end but, in the years after the war, he was to have a spell as City's assistant trainer and, remaining in the area, became a painter and decorator before his death in Exeter in 1982.