Walker returns to Forest

By Paul Holmes
July 5 2002

Des Walker has signed a 1-year deal with his former club Nottingham Forest.

Walker was on trial at the City Ground in the later part of lass season and impressed manager Paul Hart enough to gain a contract.

Walker is a legend at the City Ground following his first spell with the club in the late 80's/early 90's during which time he gained international honours before moving to Italy with Sampdoria. Upon his return to England, Walker signed for Sheffield Wednesday who he stayed with until last summer before The Owls released him.

Hart spoke to the clubs official website about Walker. "Des came to us having not done too much training since leaving Sheffield Wednesday last year.

"But he came in flying. He never missed a day's training and played a few reserve games along the way.

"I haven't brought him in solely for the ability he will bring us out on the pitch but also for his influence in the dressing room on young people.

"That's just as important to me as what actually happens on the pitch.

"He's the fittest 36-year-old I've ever seen and if he feels he can carry on, who is to say he won't be around for longer than the next 12 months."

Walker also spoke about his delight at returning to his former club. "It's a great day for me. I love this football club and it's a great feeling to be a Forest player again.

"My main thing when I came back last season to train with Forest was to get myself fully fit again.

"I'm starting to achieve that now - I feel a lot stronger and a lot fitter and my next objective is to get into the team.

"I've signed for 12 months and I'm not really looking any further forward than that.

"But if I get in the team and make my mark, I'll try and stay here as long as I can."