Walker blow after break confirmed

The former Billericay, Bromley, Colchester United, Cray Wanderers, Doncaster Rovers, Exeter City, Harlow Town, Maidstone United, St Albans City, Thurrock, Tonbridge Angels and Wingate & Finchley stopper, pictured, was stretchered off at the end of the Mead's 2-1 defeat at Great Wakering Rovers.

Officials at Bayliss Avenue confirmed that the 34-year-old would have surgery in the next couple of days on Monday morning in a statement describing the news as a "crushing blow" and sending him their best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Mead manager Tommy Warrilow said: "Our thoughts are with Walks, and everyone at the club wishes him all the best for a full and speedy recovery. What happens makes the result almost insignificant but as they scored their winner with Walks in a heap after getting two dubious penalties, I think it really does sum our day up where we played well but came away with nothing."

Thamesmead Town chairman Paul Bowden-Brown said: "I wasn't at the game myself but have been "talking" to Walks by text on Sunday morning. Andy has played for me on numerous occasions at a number of clubs during my long period in Non-League football. He is not just a player but a friend - a true professional in every sense of the word.

"After just going through an operation for a replacement right knee and knee-cap myself, I know first-hand what pain Andy must be in. My thoughts are with him and his family today, and although it may be sometime before he will return between the sticks for the club, we will work with him and his family to ensure that he gets the best treatment and care. And through his recuperation, which will be a long one, hopefully we'll see him around the club."

He added: "Lets all now, just as Andy would want, get on with the job at hand, starting at Hornchurch on Tuesday and then in the next round of the FA Cup - a true reflection of what we are at this club - one team and all always working for one another."

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