Walker braced for milestone

Jimmy Walker is gearing up to make his 500th senior appearance for Walsall and says he is "over the moon".

The popular goalkeeper, 37, enjoyed 11 memorable years with the Saddlers between 1993 and 2004, becoming a firm fans' favourite at the Banks's Stadium. After 476 displays Walker left for West Ham, before a loan spell at Colchester and then a stint with Tottenham. But with Walsall struggling in League One, he returned to the Midlands club in late October and has played a big part in their great escape mission - which now has just seven matches to go. Next up is a trip to relegation rivals Plymouth on Saturday - Walker's 499th appearance for the club - leaving him just one game short of an impressive milestone which should be reached at home to Brentford next Tuesday. "It's always hard going back somewhere," he told the club's official website. "I'd only played Walsall once since leaving, on loan for Colchester, and got a great reception from the fans. "I've always had a great rapport with the supporters here, this club has always been extremely close to my heart. People say you should never go back but I'm over the moon that I did. It's great being back here and if I can help in any way, that's what I aim to do. Football is a pressure business and we know that we have to perform in the matches ahead."