Jimmy Walker pens new Walsall deal
Friday 28th January 2011, 11:33AM GMT.
Jimmy Walker has pledged his future to Walsall after signing until the end of the season.
The influential goalkeeper’s contract was due to expire after tomorrow’s visit of Bristol Rovers but he will now stay until May.
Walker had been coaching and training part-time at Tottenham, despite his contract expiring at Spurs last summer, but will now sever his ties with the Premier League club.
And manager Dean Smith is delighted to have secured the 37-year-old as the Saddlers aim to climb off the bottom of League One.
The Saddlers boss said: “Jimmy has signed until the end of the season, we’ve snapped him up and he’s happy to stay. He’s coming in full-time so it’s a bonus.
“He’s in lock, stock and barrel for us now. He wants to aid our fight for survival and he’s on board. He is a great character to have around the place.
“Wacka brings a calmness and assuredness and I’m pleased to have tied him down. He’s a great shot-stopper and a very good goalkeeper.
“He’s been with us since I’ve come into the first team and he’s looking to fight and keep clean sheets to help us stay in this league.”
The veteran returned to the club in October, after leaving for West Ham in 2004, and penned a short-term deal before making his second debut in the 1-0 defeat at Huddersfield.
Walker has made 10 appearances since his comeback and Smith admitted keeping him was a top priority after succeeding Chris Hutchings as boss this month.
The manager said: “Goalkeepers are always one of the priorities of the team, the spine of the team is always what you work to improve.
“Looking out there, there aren’t many who could come in with the know-how and experience of Jimmy and we’re pleased to have him on board.”
Walker has made 484 appearances in his two spells at the Banks’s Stadium, helping the club to three promotions.
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