Laurie Walker has signed a new deal to remain with Milton Keynes Dons.
The goalkeeper’s contract was set to expire at the end of this month but he has now put pen to paper on fresh terms to continue an affiliation with the Football Club that stretches back to 2006.
Walker, an Academy product, made three appearances for MK Dons during the 2020/21 campaign while he also played 13 times for Oldham Athletic while on loan in Greater Manchester for the final two months of last season.
“It’s great to sign and continue to be a part of the project that is being built here with Russell (Martin) and the Chairman,” Walker told iFollow MK Dons.
“Last season, I made my debut for MK Dons, which was something I’d been waiting a long time for, and then went out on loan to make my league debut and be able to get a number of games under my belt.
“I’ve learnt a lot and now I can’t wait to get back for pre-season. I’m going to give everything I can to come back in the best shape possible and earn my minutes on the pitch.”
Walker, 31, began his career with MK Dons but left Stadium MK at the end of his scholarship period.
He made a move to Cambridge United, then in non-league, before returning to the EFL with Morecambe the following season.
After that, Walker tallied up over 250 senior appearances for the likes of Kettering Town, Brackley Town, Hemel Hempstead Town, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Chelmsford City, before returning home to MK Dons in 2019.
Sporting Director Liam Sweeting said: “Laurie is an important member of the squad and, on the pitch, we have seen continued improvement year on year, culminating with an impressive loan spell at Oldham Athletic last season.
“Because of how well he did at Oldham, he had offers this summer to be a number one goalkeeper elsewhere but he has chosen to commit his future to MK Dons because he believes in our process and what we are trying to build.
“His job, now, is to push Andrew Fisher all the way and we believe that he will provide excellent competition for that goalkeeper position.”
Goalkeeper Coach Dean Thornton added: “I’m delighted for Laurie. He’s worked extremely hard to get this deal and I’m excited to continue working with him.
“He’s a great professional, who works his socks off during the week to give everything for the Club. He’s been an important part of the goalkeeping department since I joined and he deserves a lot of credit for how good Lee (Nicholls) and Fish (Andrew Fisher) have been when they have played.
“He had an opportunity to play league football last season and he performed really well. Now, he’s got to make sure he comes back for pre-season ready to challenge and push Fish and the rest of his teammates.”
