Walker Joins West Ham United

By Neil Ravenscroft
June 10 2004

The player generally reckoned to be one of the best keepers outside of the Premiership has left Walsall for West Ham United, after ten years service.

It is the end of an era today, as goalkeeper Jimmy Walker, on of the finest players to wear the number one shirt for the club, finally signed for West Ham United on a Bosman.

The reality of relegation fromt he first division was always likely to mean the player leaving, especially as it was the lure of a testimonial which kept him here last season.

Walker, who originally signed for the club from Notts County in 1993, (when the Nottingham club thought he wouldn't make the grade!), has made 476 first team appearances for the Saddlers, the highest number by any goalkeeper in the club's history. He is generally reckoned by the media to be one of the best keepers outside of the Premiership, despite his lack of inches, and the only surprise about him moving on is that it is to troubled West Ham United, who Pardew has already said will have to release more players having lost in the play offs, rather than one of the favourites for promotion, or even a Premiership side.

It just remains to say, Good Luck Jimmy Walker and let's hope a high profile move will give you the chance of International recognition in place of your lesser namesake from Leicester!