Trotters Swoop For Former England Keeper

By Mark Heys
July 14 2005

Bolton have announced their third signing of the summer, with experienced goalkeeper Ian Walker having signed a 12-month deal at the Reebok Stadium.

Walker 33, has been without a club since leaving Leicester City in the summer, and Bolton manager Sam Allardyce wasted no time in recruiting the former England player as the understudy to Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Allardyce was happy to have signed the ex-Spurs star after a summer of frustrations, and he beleives that competition for places in the goalkeeping department will now be fiercer than ever, with Jussi Jaaskelainen, Ali Al-Habsi and Walker all competing for the one position.

"It has been a frustrating time of late but having said that, I am delighted that we have acquired a goalkeeper of Ian Walker's ability.

"The goalkeeping area did concern me at the end of the season, but we now have three quality 'keepers that will match any other team in the Premiership. Competition for places is going to be healthy

Walker, son of the former Norwich manager Mike, will join up with the squad today and is included in the party which will travel over to Thailand for the Asia Cup in just over a week from now.

Walking Down The Manny Road would like to wish Ian every success in his time at Bolton.