Jimmy Walker close to signing new Walsall deal

Walsall legend Jimmy Walker was today close to pledging his future to the Saddlers after holding talks with boss Dean Smith.

The goalkeeper was offered a new deal at the end of the season and is set to follow skipper Andy Butler by committing himself to the club.

Should he sign he will be on the brink of becoming the Saddlers' record appearance holder as he stands on 505 games – 25 short of Colin Harrison's all time total.

And Smith revealed he has held positive talks with Walker and is confident of tying him down for another year.

"I'm in talks with James Walker and hopefully we're very close to agreeing something," he said.

"I knew Jimmy from before, he's a good lad and did really well for us last season. He's got more to offer and I think he believes that as well.

"Hopefully we can sort something out with Jimmy as soon as possible and he can commit himself for another year. Then we'll see where he goes from there – it might be a year but he might be capable of doing another after that."

Walker was runner-up in the supporters' Player of the Year poll after returning in October following a six year absence.

He helped the Saddlers to the Great Escape in League One and Smith insisted, despite the former West Ham man turning 38 in July, he hasn't lost any drive.

"He's a motivated lad and he really enjoyed this year," he said. "The thing for him is he wants to see us kick on and build on the momentum. I said to all the players I don't want to be in the position where we're fighting for survival again – I want us to move on and carry the momentum."

But Smith doesn't believe Walker is eyeing Harrison's appearance record yet because he is too focused on his game.

He said: "I don't know with Jimmy – maybe, maybe not. I think his sole focus is on playing football. He enjoys the banter and enjoyed last season. He's certainly got the hunger there. I had a chat with him during a round of golf and he hasn't lost the drive as he beat me on the last hole!"