COLCHESTER United boss Paul Lambert will be furious if Jimmy Walker's stay with the U's comes to an end after tomorrow's visit of Stockport County.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United boss Paul Lambert will be furious if Jimmy Walker's stay with the U's comes to an end after tomorrow's visit of Stockport County.

Walker's current loan deal from West Ham expires this weekend, but Lambert is desperate for the 35-year-old keeper to remain at the Community Stadium.

He was very animated at yesterday's press conference, insisting that the Football League should have already been in touch with the Essex club about the Walker situation.

“Signing Jimmy Walker is now my priority, and I'll be an angry man if we lose him,” insisted Lambert.

“I've lost count of the number of points that he has saved us, since he's been at the club.

“It's no secret that I want him permanently. The club knew a few weeks ago that I wanted Jimmy to stay longer, but we are still waiting for a response from the Football League.

“There doesn't seem to be any consistency. There seems to be one rule for some, and one rule for others, whether you are a big club or not. It's all very confusing, with some players signing before and others after the deadline has passed. People don't know where they stand.

“We sent our stuff (about the Walker deal) through on time, but we've had two days without a response. Every club should be treated the same.

“I'm certainly not a fan of the transfer window. I don't like it at all. Clubs have to get in people quickly, but there's no point in flooding your club with players. That's the nature of the window.

“You don't have to be Einstein to work out what a big part Jimmy Walker has played over the last couple of months. His performances have been terrific,” added Lambert.

Walker has conceded just eight goals in 11 appearances since his arrival at the end of November. Previous No. 1 Dean Gerken is currently on loan at Darlington.

The only activities featuring Colchester on transfer deadline, on Monday, was Matt Lockwood moving on loan to Barnet, and the U's extending winger Lewis Gobern's loan spell from Wolves until the end of the season.

Lambert explained: “Lewis (Gobern) has a lot to offer. He was terrific against Carlisle. I always knew how talented he was, but he hasn't played that many games (due to long-term injuries).

“I did try three or four other things on Monday, but they just never came off. There was no point in signing someone who was only going to be a fifth or sixth striker for us.”