Blackpool emergency signing Sam Walker caught eye with FA Cup heroics for Reading

The Reading keeper signed last Wednesday on an initial seven-day loan following Chris Maxwell’s positive Covid-19 test.

The 29-year-old was due to make his debut on Boxing Day, only for Blackpool’s home fixture to be postponed following a positive coronavirus test in the Rochdale camp. Walker is now looking forward to making his bow at Shrewsbury Town tomorrow.

He hasn’t made an appearance for the Royals this season but played in both FA Cup third-round ties against Pool in January and made a lasting impression.

Walker said: “I played against Blackpool a couple of times in the FA Cup and (goalkeeping coach) Steve Banks seemed to remember me from those matches.

“He believed I played well, so got in touch with my coach down at Reading and asked if I was interested in coming up here to help out on an emergency basis, which I was delighted to do.

“Of course, at this time of the year it was a big decision, especially as I have a young family. But football is a major part of my life, and hopefully I can come in and do a good job for the side.”

With Alex Fojticek and the injured Jack Sims both registered as Under-21 players, the Seasiders were allowed to make an emergency loan deal.

Walker has been battling it out to be Reading’s second choice recently. He hasn’t played this season and is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

Having joined from Colchester United in 2018, Walker’s five appearances last season were all in the FA Cup, He had played nine times in his first season at the Madejski Stadium.

“I’m pleased to be here and will help as much as I can,” Walker added.

“I trained with the team on Christmas Eve for the first time and it seems like a really good squad, with the team in a really good position.

“There was a really good atmosphere around the place and everyone was looking forward to the game on Boxing Day, which was unfortunately postponed.

“I’ve been second choice at Reading for the majority of the season, but I’m ready and fit to get going for as long as needs be.”

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