Jimmy Walker the goalkeeper may have left Walsall for West Ham, but there will still be a Jim Walker at Bescot next season as Paul Merson’s assistant manager.
The 57 year old former Villa physiotherapist is expected to be unveiled later this week.
“Jim is on a course today and tomorrow, then he will see Jeff Bonser to sort everything out on Wednesday,” said Merson. “He is not coming in as a coach, he is coming in as my assistant manager and I’m really pleased about it. He has been in the game all his life and his knowledge of it is excellent, plus he brings with him the fitness knowledge which will be a bonus. He is someone I respect and trust, which is important, the lads all respect him massively and he is a calming influence.”
Merson is still looking for a new coach, goalkeeper and centre back, although one target – Mark Williams – will not be joining. “There’s nothing happening at the moment,” said Merson. “He has been offered a lot of money from another club which we can’t compete with.”

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Young keeper Aaron Kerr has been released by manager Paul Merson. The 21 year old, signed by former boss Colin Lee from Havant and Waterlooville, spent most of least season sidelined by a broken wrist. He impressed pre season however, and was expected by fans to push for a starting spot following Jimmy Walker’s move to West Ham.
“It was a tough decision to let him go but it is my job as manager to make such decisions,” said Merse.
“I want two goalkeepers who will fight hard for a starting place, so I’m not looking for a youngster who will merely sit on the bench and be an understudy to Mark Paston. Competition for places is healthy and keeps everyone on their toes.”
Andy Bishop is still considering a short term contract offer while Darren Bazeley – back from a trial in New Zealand – is set for more talks at Bescot next week.

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Goalkeeper Jimmy Walker today signed for West Ham after ten years and 476 games as a Saddler. The 30 year old joined Walsall in 1993, on a free transfer from Notts county. He has captained the club on numerous occasions, won several Player of the Season awards and written his name into Walsall folklore. Despite his disciplinary problems and lack of height, he was a firm Bescot favourite and will be sadly missed.
Hammers managing director Paul Aldridge said: “He’s an important first signing of the close season.” Goalkeeping coach Ludek Miklosko added “I saw him a few times in the last games of the season and watched him on video; we have been looking at him for a while.”

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