Whittingham reflects on surprise Walker exit

Guy Whittingham sent his best wishes to Liam Walker after the midfielder opted against a Pompey return.
Liam Walker has decided against trying to win a Pompey deal in favour of a move to GreeceLiam Walker has decided against trying to win a Pompey deal in favour of a move to Greece
Liam Walker has decided against trying to win a Pompey deal in favour of a move to Greece

The 25-year-old was due back on the south coast last Friday in a bid to win a new Blues deal.

But, as revealed on The News’ website – portsmouth.co.uk – yesterday evening, Walker is now set to join an unnamed Greek club.

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The news has disappointed many Pompey fans, who had high regards for the creative midfielder from Gibraltar, who signed last summer after impressing during a friendly.

Whittingham, however, had not been convinced enough to offer a fresh contract to Walker, who made 28 appearances and scored two goals last season.

Instead, the Pompey boss invited the midfielder back for pre-season training in an attempt to prove his worth.

But now the player, who has family from Waterlooville, has left Fratton Park.

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Whittingham said: ‘Liam was supposed to be here last Friday. Then I got a call from his dad saying he would like to stay back in Gibraltar for another game.

‘We told him, as he was not contracted, he could do what he wanted, so he stayed there.

‘Then we got a call a couple of days ago saying there’s a possibility of him signing somewhere else (Greece).

‘I am pleased for the lad because there was nothing confirmed here. We said he had to come back and prove one or two things to us and he has taken the option to go off and sign somewhere else.

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‘We know what we had with Liam and what we wanted to get. We knew his strengths and weaknesses and felt we had to get something a little bit different. It didn’t mean we were going to count him out.

‘If he had come back and proved himself then there might have been something.’