Sam Walker wants to put Colchester back where they belong – up the League One table
Sam Walker, right, in goal for the U's - Credit: Su Anderson
Sam Walker says it is about time Colchester United put themselves back where they belong – further up the League One table.
The 23-year-old U’s stopper returned to pre-season action on Saturday – albeit for 17 minutes – in the U’s’ home defeat to Leyton Orient.
And while happy to at last be back fighting fit – he is hoping for more time between the sticks tonight against Ipswich Town at the Weston Homes Community Stadium – Walker wants the U’s to kick on this season.
“Apart from the fact I don’t think my ticker can take too much of these last day escapes, we want to put the club back where it belongs. And that means further up the league table.
“Yes, we need to hit the ground running.
“Our form at the end of last season was good, if we can start as we finished the last 10 games last season, it would be a good start.”
Walker is pivotal to the U’s, the 6ft 6ins ‘keeper not only a fine player, but hugely popular with the Colchester fans.
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He has been left frustrated by injury pre-season but is looking forward to tonight’s game against Mick McCarthy’s men.
“I hated seeing the guys train and not being able to join in,” he said.
“It was nice to get a few minutes against Orient and I think the plan is for me to have more time against Ipswich.”
The U’s lost their first pre-season game of the season against Orient on Saturday in what was a good run-out but disappointing result.
Colchester manager Tony Humes put out plenty of youngsters against the east London side and is likely to bring the likes of Chris Porter, Gavin Massey and Alex Gilbey in from the start this evening.
Ipswich and Colchester haven’t always enjoyed the best of relationships, but that has all changed in recent seasons and a good crowd is expected tonight, with tickets available on the night. On Saturday, the U’s have their last pre-season match – at home to Fulham.
The stadium car park for the U’s game against Ipswich Town is now sold out.
There will be a full shuttle bus service running for this match, on a usual Tuesday timetable, and the nearby Park & Ride car park will also be open.
