SAM Walker has been on City’s radar as the replacement for Harry Lewis since the summer.

Walker yesterday signed on an 18-month deal after Lewis completed his move to Carlisle for an undisclosed fee.

The experienced 32-year-old keeper was first identified by the club as the potential next number one when Lewis was being chased by Barnsley.

It is believed that Carlisle also registered an interest in Lewis at the time, along with two other League Two clubs.

Walker, a free agent after leaving Kilmarnock, joined Charlton on a short-term deal in October as injury cover and made three cup appearances.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sam Walker foils Rory McArdle at Valley Parade in 2013Sam Walker foils Rory McArdle at Valley Parade in 2013 (Image: Newsquest)

With Carlisle adding Lewis to their relegation fight, the 6ft 6in Walker comes straight in to make his City debut at Colchester, the club where he played 213 times in a five-and-a-half year spell.

The towering stopper has already made a big impression in the dressing room.

“I’m quite a big consuming presence,” he told the T&A. “Walking in the place yesterday morning, there were a few of the lads wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

“It’s a physical league and I’ll certainly be looking to command the area and be that presence in the backline, giving the group and the fans that confidence we’re secure back there.

“They don’t mind a bit of a tussle (in League Two) so I’ll be getting my hands dirty with that.”

Walker played with Ash Taylor at Kilmarnock – where Colin Doyle was his goalkeeping coach. He has no issues with joining mid-season.

“It’s part and parcel of it. I’ve been on loan a couple of times in January when I was at Reading.

“You get used to it when you’re experienced. I’ve been playing professionally for 13-14 years, so you’re used to being able to step in.

“It definitely helps where I can come in and see a familiar face with Doyler. We got straight to work like we were at Kilmarnock.

“We had a good goalkeepers’ union and Doyler obviously still churns games out as well and got himself a clean sheet at Derby. He’s talked me through it in quite intense detail!

READ MORE: No block on City playing Jake Young, says boss 

“We know how each other works and hopefully we can hit the ground running.”

Carlisle snapped up Lewis on a two-and-a-half year contract for an undisclosed fee – thought to be worth close to £200,000.

It is understood he has been given a considerable increase in wages at the club currently second from bottom of League One.

Lewis had played every league game since joining City. But Graham Alexander believes they will adapt quickly to the change of dynamic after losing a mainstay in the team.

“I’ve played alongside players for five or six years and then you don’t see them again,” said the Bantams boss. “They can go in an hour.

“Some people stay in touch, others don’t. It’s like that in football.

“Players will miss good teammates and miss the friendships. But ultimately, when they come into training the next day, they’re thinking about getting into the team and winning that next game.

“That’s not to talk down about any player. I’m sure after I left Preston North End after eight years, by the following Saturday they were only thinking about winning that game.

“People become used to it and they crack on. I’m sure Harry will be thinking about winning the game for Carlisle tomorrow and not about us either.”

 

 

Walker, who played for Colchester between 2013 and 2018, will take part in his second training session with the squad on the way travelling south today.

Alexander added: “That takes your focus. It’s not the guy who’s gone but the new one coming in and understanding what he’s about.

“Footballers, coaches and managers become quite adept at building relationships quickly and finding out about them but also, on the other side, letting people go.

“That’s the sport we’re in. The players have already seen Sam train, he’s shown what he’s capable of and he’ll be on the bus with them.

“In football, you get that closeness quickly. There’s no time to dwell, you’re pretty much in each other’s faces straight away.”