Jimmy Walker 'on the brink' of new Walsall FC deal

Legendary goalkeeper Jimmy Walker was today on the brink of sealing a new deal to stay at Walsall.

The Saddlers' record appearance holder is close to agreeing a player/coach role to hand the club a massive pre-season boost.

Walker, who has played 534 times for the Saddlers, was expected to join the squad for the start of training today ahead of further talks.

Boss Dean Smith, who yesterday signed ex-Wolves striker Ashley Hemmings, said: "We're very close to agreeing a deal for James to become player/coach and work alongside Mick Kearns.

"He's very important, he's an influence in the dressing room, a good character and I have said to him if he comes back – although we haven't finalised anything yet – he's got half his body across the line into the coaching ladder.

"Knowing him from his professionalism in the dressing room he was a big influence on the players last season and you can certainly expect him to continue that."

Essex-based Walker, who turns 39 next week, is looking to rent a property in the West Midlands after Smith insisted he needed to move if he returned but will offer him extra time off.

He said: "He won't be required to be in on a Monday when other players are. That's one of the things we'll be talking about with him. At 39 he won't be needed to do the work David Grof does so when he's not in Mick will take the keepers.

"Mick has been fantastic but he won't go on forever. He's taken a lot of pride in seeing James progress in his career. I've said to James, one of the things which you have to think about when you're coming to the end of your career is what you're going to do next. There's a pathway there for him."

And if Walker does sign Smith insisted he will not be guaranteed the No.1 spot and will have to compete with Grof.

He said: "I've said to James if you're coming back then neither of you are having the number one shirt, you'll have to fight for it. The one who is playing the best in pre-season starts the season."