FORMER Colchester United goalkeeper Sam Walker has signed for League One side Charlton Athletic.

The 32-year-old, who made more than 200 appearances for the U's, has penned a short-term deal with the Addicks until early January.

Walker has spent the last two seasons at Scottish club Kilmarnock, prior to leaving them them this summer.

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Walker told the Charlton website: “I'm delighted. I've been keeping myself sharp and ready for the right opportunity and this feels good.

 

"I spoke with Stephen Henderson and obviously Harry [Isted] is out for a little bit so they need a bit of cover and someone to come in.

“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.”

Gazette:

Walker became a firm favourite with Colchester fans, during his five-and-a-half years at the club.

The 6ft 6in shot-stopper initially joined the U's on loan from Premier League giants Chelsea in January, 2013.

Walker joined the club on a permanent basis in January 2014, after two loan spells.

He battled back superbly from a serious knee injury sustained in Colchester’s EFL Cup tie against Reading in August 2015, which kept him out for nearly a year.

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Walker has since played for Reading and spent time on loan at both Blackpool and AFC Wimbledon, in League One before joining Kilmarnock in the summer of 2021.

Charlton technical director Andy Scott told the club's website: “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.

“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.”