 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.In August 2010, Walters expressed to Roy Keane his desire to leave Portman Road after Stoke City made an offer for him.On 18 August 2010, Walters joined Premier League side Stoke City for an initial £2.75 million fee on a four-year contract.