EXPERIENCED keeper Sam Walker has spoken of his delight after joining Charlton until the new year.
Gravesend-born Walker is no stranger to the area having also started out as a youngster with neighbours Millwall before going on to join Chelsea in his teens.
While on the Stamford Bridge books the stopper spent time on loan with several clubs, including Colchester United who he eventually went on to join permanently in 2014 and establishing himself as the Essex side’s number one.
A move to Reading followed, which included loans at Blackpool and AFC Wimbledon, before joining Kilmarnock in 2021.
Walker became a free agent after his two-year deal at Rugby Park ended in the summer and now is ready to help the Addicks by providing cover to Ashley Maynard-Brewer in the wake of Harry Isted’s injury.
He said: “I’m delighted. I’ve been keeping myself sharp and ready for the right opportunity and this feels good.
“I spoke with (goalkeeping coach) Stephen Henderson and obviously Harry is out for a little bit so they need a bit of cover and someone to come in.”
Walker added: “I feel ready to contribute to the squad who are obviously going really well at the moment.
“I know a couple of the lads anyway, so I’ve come in and fitted in nicely. I’m looking forward to contributing to the team.”
The latest signing was welcomed by Valley technical director Andy Scott, who also expects the 32-year-old to still be in the frame for first team selection once Isted is back to full fitness.
“Sam is a very experienced goalkeeper who will push Ash for the first team shirt while Harry is recovering from his injury and then compete with them both,” said Scott..
“He has played a lot of first team football at all levels and has demonstrated maturity and quality in the time he has spent with us and gives us excellent cover in the goalkeeping department.”
Meanwhile, Charlton youngster Karoy Anderson made his full debut for Jamaica as a substitute in Friday’s 4-1 win over Grenada.
The 19-year-old midfielder came off the bench again on Monday to help seal a 3-2 success over Haiti and revealed there was one person back home he couldn’t wait to tell about his international exploits.
Anderson said: “It’s been a great experience and I still haven’t taken it in fully. Looking back at it, even after the games sitting in the changing room, it’s just unbelievable.
“It’s been a joy and an honour to be here – it’s one of the biggest achievements you can have to play for your country.
“I called my mum after I made my debut and she was ecstatic.
“There aren’t many words to describe her reaction, but it was good.”
* Charlton have been drawn at home to Eltham-based Cray Valley Paper Mills in the FA Cup first round, which will take place on the first weekend of November.
