Sam Walker has good track record in relegation scraps
Sam Walker, in action for Chelsea Reserves - Credit: AP Images
COLCHESTER United’s new keeper, Sam Walker, has bags of experience of propelling loan clubs out of the relegation zone.
And Walker, who stands at a commanding 6ft 5ins, is confident that he can help to drag the U’s out of the League One mire.
Walker, 21, signed on loan from Premier League giants Chelsea at the start of the week.
He was in line to make his U’s debut at Hartlepool last Saturday – before that match was called off following Friday’s pitch inspection – so will have to wait another seven days to start his first Colchester game, at home to Walsall.
Despite the U’s current predicament – Joe Dunne’s men are on a current club record nine straight defeats – keeper Walker is ready for the challenge. And it is one he feels that he can overcome.
“It’s not a great situation to come into. Nine losses in a row is not very good for any club,” confessed Walker.
“It’s difficult, but I’ve been here a week now and I’ve seen a lot of quality in the squad. I want to help Colchester out of the situation they are in.
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“Last season, I helped to get Yeovil out of the relegation battle they were in, so I have experience of getting clubs out of trouble.
“In fact, during my very first spell on loan, I was at Barnet, who were struggling at the foot of the Football League. I played seven games for them, when they were really in the mire.
“We won on the last day of the season, and I will never forget the scenes after that game. We had kept the club in the Football League. It was a great feeling,” added Walker.
Gravesend-born Walker made a big difference to Barnet during the closing weeks of that 2010-11 season. In fact, the Bees were unbeaten in Walker’s seven games, with five wins and two draws, culminating in a final day 1-0 home win over Port Vale.
And at Yeovil last term, Walker played 20 games during the second half of the campaign to help nurse the Glovers up the League One table.
A lifelong Ipswich fan, Walker really throws himself into the workings of each of his loan clubs.
He confirmed: “Some players just go out on loan to benefit themselves, but I like to get really involved with the club.
“As a young player, it’s difficult to break into the Chelsea squad. So it’s good to go out and get some experience, which is the same with Billy (Clifford).
“I spoke to Billy on Sunday night, and he said his first impressions of Colchester United were good.
“The facilities here are phenomenal. This is the fifth time I have been out on loan, and this is the best facilities I’ve had for training. It’s fantastic,” added Walker, who is still waiting to make his senior debut for Chelsea.
