David Grof targets Walsall No 1 spot
Tuesday 30th August 2011, 10:25AM BST.
Walsall goalkeeper David Grof is ready to learn from the master – if only to finally take his crown.
But the 22-year-old knows he faces a mammoth battle to replace Walsall legend – and his current mentor – Jimmy Walker.
The Hungarian could keep his place for tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first-round clash with Shrewsbury, after his debut in Saturday’s 2-0 win at Bournemouth.
Grof replaced Walker when the veteran left the club’s hotel on Friday after his partner went into labour.
And, at 38 Walker, isn’t going to go on forever – even if he is edging closer to Colin Harrison’s all-time appearance record of 530 with 510 games for the Saddlers – something Grof is well aware of.
But the summer signing from Notts County admits when the time comes for Walker to hang up his gloves, there will be a big hole to fill.
Grof said: “I know how much the club love him, he’s a hero here – everyone knows that.
“Whoever comes in, it’s not going to be easy for them to replace him but I’m going to keep working hard. I’m going to try my hardest, that’s why I’m here.
“Even before, I played I spoke to the gaffer and that’s what he wants me to do. I’m learning loads – Jimmy’s very good to me and looks after me in training as well and off the pitch.
“He’s good with me and I hope I can keep working with him as long as I can.”
Jon Macken is a doubt after sitting out the win at Dean Court with an ankle injury, while Will Grigg is on international duty with the Northern Ireland under-21 team.
Alex Nicholls could replace Grigg, while Ryan Jarvis is set to keep his place after his two goals at the weekend.
Former Saddlers stars Matt Richards, who left in the summer after failing to agree a new deal, and Mark Wright will make their Banks’s Stadium returns with the Shrews.
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