Tuesday 10 January 2012 12:53, UK
Jimmy Walker's all-time appearance record for Walsall is unlikely to ever be broken again, according to manager Dean Smith.
The goalkeeper, 38, made is 529th senior outing for the Saddlers in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Bournemouth - equalling Colin Harrison's record which has stood since 1981. Walker is set to overtake that figure this weekend with his 530th appearance in the League One trip to Brentford. And Walsall boss Smith, who, as a player, took to the pitch with Walker when he made his club debut in 1993, believes the record will stand the test of time. "It's a fantastic achievement," Smith told Walsall's official website. "I played alongside him during his first season at the club and just as he is today, he was a great character and a really talented goalkeeper. "I can't see this appearance record being broken again as there is just not the same longevity amongst players these days. When you play the amount of games that Wacka has done for a club, you certainly deserve legendary status and he has that here. "As for the future, I can certainly see him in a coaching role, following in the footsteps of Mick Kearns (goalkeeping coach), as he already does bits with David Grof and the younger keepers here."
