Thoughts are with Thamesmead Town goalkeeper Andy Walker following serious injury

THAMESMEAD TOWN have suffered a major blow after goalkeeper Andy Walker, 34, broke his knee-cap towards the end of yesterday’s 2-1 defeat at Great Wakering Rovers.

Walker, who is rated as one of the best goalkeepers in non-league football here in Kent, collided with team-mate Joe Denny in the build-up to the home side’s late winner.

Walker will have surgery in the next couple of days, at which point it is hoped that the doctor’s will be able to confirm any ligament damage as well.

Thamesmead Town manager Tommy Warrilow told www.thamesmeadtownfc.com: “Our thoughts are with Walks and everyone at the club wishes him all the best for a full and speedy recovery.

“What happens makes the result almost insignificant, but as they scored their winner with Walks in a heap after getting two dubious penalties, I think really does sum our day up where we played well but came away with nothing!

“It’s a results business, but at times like this…”

Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown added: “I wasn’t at the game myself but have been talking to Walks by text Sunday morning.

“Andy has played for me on numerous occasions at a number of clubs during my long period in non-league football. He is not just a player but a friend – a true professional in every sense of the word.

“After just going through an operation for a replacement right knee and knee-cap myself, I know first-hand what pain Andy must be in today.

“My thoughts are with Andy and his family today and although it may be sometime before he will return between the stick for the club, we will work with him and his family to ensure that he gets the best treatment and care and though his recuperation, which will be a long one, hopefully we’ll see him around the club.

“Let’s all now, just as Andy would want, get on with the job at hand, starting at Hornchurch on Tuesday and then in the next round of The FA Cup – a true reflection of what we are at this club – a team one and all always working for one another!”

Walkers’ former clubs include Tonbridge Angels, Bromley, Maidstone United and Cray Wanderers.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk joins the rest of the Kent non-league community in wishing Andy a speedy recovery and hope to see him action when he’s back to full fitness.  You will be sorely missed.

Thamesmead’s third league defeat of the season leaves them fifth-from-bottom in the Ryman League Division One North table with eight points from seven games and Warrilow takes his side to 11^th-placed AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday night, before travelling to Ryman Premier League side Merstham in The FA Cup Third Qualifying Round on Saturday.

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.com