Following the departure of Lee Nicholls, Laurie Walker becomes the senior figure in the MK Dons goalkeeper department – a role he hopes to embrace as he looks to build on a breakout 2020/21 campaign.
Walker, who signed a new contract last week to remain at Stadium MK for a third term, made his MK Dons debut at the start of last season, before making his first 13 EFL appearances while on loan at Oldham Athletic between March and May.
With that experience under his belt, Walker wants to kick on in 2021/22 and provide healthy competition for last season’s number one, Andrew Fisher, while also helping the 23-year-old be the best goalkeeper he can be.
“I’m excited to get going with it to be honest,” Walker told iFollow MK Dons after putting pen to paper on his new contract. “It’s nice to get it done and secure my future for next season and it’s great to be part of this project that is being built at MK Dons with Russell (Martin) and the Chairman.
“(Last year) was a really strange year for me. I made my debut for MK Dons, which was something I’ve been waiting for a long time, but then I didn’t play for a long time. I then went out on loan to get some minutes and it was great to be able to go make my league debut and get a number of games under my belt.
“It was a good end to the season for me, and I learnt a lot and took a lot of valuable lessons. I never doubted my own ability but I just needed the chance to showcase what I can do.
“I can’t wait to get back for pre-season now. Obviously, I want to help Fish wherever I can and I’ll pass on anything I can to help him out. Lee was very good at doing that and it’s going to be nice for me to step into his shoes and take that position on.
“But, I’m not just here to make up the numbers - I want to push and make a challenge for the position. I want to really putting my foot to the floor and pushing Fish all the way. I’m going to do all I can to come back in the best shape and try to put my foot to the floor and push Fish all the way.”
All of Walker’s 16 appearances last season came in matches played behind closed doors so the 31-year-old shot stopper is understandably eager to get to August and be able to wear the MK Dons shirt in front of supporters.
“That’s going to be special,” he said. “I had the moment of playing this year, but it was disappointing not having fans there to watch so I’m excited to get them back in the stadium.
“I think it’s been a massive miss this year. We put smiles on faces so it will be good to get that started again and give people what they deserve.”
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Laurie Walker has signed up - now it's your turn! Watch a season of football at Stadium MK for no more than £10 per game by purchasing a 2021/22 MK Dons Season Ticket!
The Club have made the decision, for one season only, to cap the maximum price of an Adult Season Ticket in all areas of the stadium at £230.
What’s more, concession prices in several areas of the stadium have been reduced to match the 2020/21 concession prices for the Family Area - the lowest priced area in the stadium. Under-12s will also continue to go FREE along with a paying adult.
For more information click HERE, call 01908 622922 or visit the Box Office at Stadium MK.
