davieG Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 Ian Walker is waiting for Leicester City to offer him a new contract after admitting he is happy to stay at The Walkers Stadium. The veteran goalkeeper's present deal expires at the end of the season and he is eager to remain with the Championship club. Walker joined The Foxes from Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 and has recently returned to the team after a lengthy spell out through injury. He has yet to hold discussions with Leicester boss Craig Levein regarding an extension and is worried that time is running out. The 33-year-old will accept a reduction in salary to sign fresh terms but is anxious for some direction from the club. "I'll stay here if they offer me a contract but they're leaving it a bit late," said Walker. "It would be nice if they offered something that I could say yes or no to. "I was worried about it because I've been out for so long with the injury. "But the club have got to come to us at some stage but it is getting nearer the end of the season. "There's no point in getting worried about my situation because I'm just happy to be back playing."
davieG Posted 7 February 2005 Author Posted 7 February 2005 I think we shouldn't take the risk, let's see if he recovers fully from his injury, we have enough crocks already.
Anish Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 Yes - but on vastly reduced wages. And only a 1 year deal.
Guest Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 I'm surprised he wants to stay here, but if he does, then good. I voted wait and see; if there is no recurrence of the knee injury, I'd offer him a new deal.
Cat Burger Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 If there are no problems he should get a two year deal IMO, but yes obviously he'll have to take a cut in wages here or wherever he goes. About 10k a week sounds right to me.
Fox in a Box Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 Performance related pay !!! He keeps a clean sheet bonus of say £1000 He be on about 15-20K I think £3-5K is the max they will offer him. Good Keeper but getting on so its in our court to offer him a reduce wage
Scow Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 I think he needs to understand that we're not in a position at the moment to offer contracts. I think Levein will want to assess the situation in the summer when we have a better idea who he wants to retain, off load and purchase. But I agree with Lisa and Davie on this one, we need to see if there any further problems with his knee. If there isn't, then I would certainly offer him a new contract because I believe he is the best 'keeper in the league.
Simon Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 I think yes. Its highly unlikely we'll find anyone better at this level.
Guest Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 Performance related pay !!! He keeps a clean sheet bonus of say £1000 He be on about 15-20K I think £3-5K is the max they will offer him. Good Keeper but getting on so its in our court to offer him a reduce wage 63853[/snapback] That's fair enough, but if he still has Dabizas and Heath playing in front of him, with Dublin as back-up, don't you think it's a bit unfair to expect Walker to keep a clean sheet?
fosseman Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 Get rid of Walker at the end of the season. We need keen and fit players rather than the old {overpaid} guard. He won't want what we can afford to pay antway. Let's have a fresh start. javascript:emoticon(':mad:') smilie
Craig Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 Get rid of Walker at the end of the season. We need keen and fit players rather than the old {overpaid} guard. He won't want what we can afford to pay antway. Let's have a fresh start.javascript:emoticon(':mad:') smilie 63910[/snapback] Fit? So before this season, name a match where he's missed out because of injury, betcha can't It's one injury he's been unlucky with As for old, goalkeepers can go on for ages. Not a problem.
desert fox Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 Definitely yes. I imagine the only holdup to a new deal is CL making sure he's recovered fully (or maybe he's got a Scottish keeper he plans to bring in next year).
Benji Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 yes defo, age is one thing you don't need to worry majorly about in the 'keeper position we saw saturday with the one on one he's one of the best in the business at shot stopping. If he wants to stay hell give him a contract, feel so safe with him at the back
emmalcfc Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 As some people have already said, see what happens about his knee. If it turns out ok, give him a new contract. Good keepers (especially ones that have the qualities of Walker) aren't that easy to come by.
Ricey Posted 7 February 2005 Posted 7 February 2005 If he can fully recover from his injury then yes because I believe he is a top quality keeper.
Louise Posted 12 February 2005 Posted 12 February 2005 Another contender from the present squad is goalkeeper Ian Walker - provided he is still here next season.That is something the England international appeared to throw into doubt with remarks about the possibility of a new contract. The gist of his feelings was that he would be happy to stay, even though he accepts he would be on lower wages. But Levein was annoyed that Walker suggested City were dragging their feet. The City manager has plenty of out-of-contract players in his squad and will not be putting any of them top of a list for negotiations. He said of Walker: "I have had a word with him and he has apologised for the way it sounded. His words did not come out the way he expected and there is no problem." http://www.thebluearmy.co.uk/details.asp?b...6269754|p|536|0
TrickyTrev Posted 12 February 2005 Posted 12 February 2005 If he stays injury free between now and the end of the season i would definately give him a new two year deal. We will not find a better keeper willing to come to our club and Goalkeeper is one position you want experience without too much competition for places.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.