Brave Walker targets Daggers' visit for his return

Brave Alan Walker is making good progress as he battles back from his freak training accident that left him hospitalised in Belfast seven weeks ago.

Walker, 46, the joint-manager of Ryman Premier League newcomers, Maidstone United, told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk that he hopes to make a return in time for the club’s only home pre-season friendly, against League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge, at Bourne Park next Thursday.

“This last week has been absolutely fantastic in terms of my recovery and I am doing well,” said Walker.

“I am hoping that I will be coming home this weekend where I will continue to have physiotherapy with a personal trainer at Medway hospital.

“Apparently it takes six weeks for the swelling to go down after an accident like mine and it’s seven weeks since I had the accident.

“After lying in bed for four weeks I had muscular atrophy so it took two week to build me back up again and then in the last week I have made massive strides and I am able to walk like a Thunderbird puppet now!

“I still have a collar on though and I am spending 99% of time in a wheelchair, as I do need assistance when I walk.

“This evening (23^rd July), I have been wheeled out to the pub and I have been enjoying a pint and a rib eye stake. After seven weeks of hospital food, I can’t tell you how nice that steak tasted!

“So things are looking a lot more positive now, even compared to what the outlook was ten days ago.

“I will have to see how I will get on when I get back home but I am hoping that I might be able to make it to the Dagenham & Redbridge friendly if everything continues to go well.”

The Stones travel to Champion Hill on Saturday to play Blue Square Southern club Fisher Athletic, looking to continue their impressive form.

They have already beaten Blue Square South opposition in Thurrock this season, courtesy of a thunderbolt from Errison Ahwan.

Ahwan and Mo Takaloo scored in their 2-0 win at Kent League side Erith & Belvedere, before the Stones were held to a physical goalless draw at Lordswood last night.

Interview courtesy of www.maidstoneunited.co.uk