Kentish Football 
I wasn't keen to drop a division and Cray fitted into my personal requirements, says Andy Walker
Walker, who scooped the Maidstone United player-of-the-year award last season, has made 104 appearances in two spells for the club. The former Bromley goalkeeper lives in Sidcup and recently became a parent for the first time and was philosophical about leaving the relegated club.
Walker told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “The club offered me a deal this season but now that I’ve got a new baby, family commitments have become fairly important all of a sudden!. However, my main reason for moving is that I wasn’t keen to drop to Ryman One South and when Cray made me an offer, it fitted in to my personal requirements very well, especially as Cray are based close to my home.”
Walker was voted as supporters’ player-of-the-season twice during his Maidstone United career and last season his form was as good as it had ever been, notably towards the end of the campaign when he made three successive penalty saves in important end of season games.He added: ”I’ve always really enjoyed playing for Maidstone and the supporters have been superb to me in both of my spells at the club. They were a big factor in my returning to Maidstone the second time. I hope that the club do well under Jay Saunders this year.”
Player-manager Saunders understood Walker’s decision.He said: “Andy has been a great servant to Maidstone United but players at all levels of the game come and go. I can understand Andy wanting to play at a higher level and following our relegation last season it was inevitable that we would lose some of our experienced players.
“I wish Andy all the best at Cray and Ian Jenkins will know that he has got himself a very good goalkeeper. With Andy leaving I’ve moved quickly to secure a replacement and I’ve agreed terms with somebody already and therefore we will be signing a new goalie this weekend.”
Article courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk
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