New boys help Hatters ooze belief says Dan

Eight newcomers have joined the Hatters this summer, with 14 leaving left, and Walker believes it is the best squad Town have had during his three years at the club.

Speaking after the 1-0 pre-season win at Hitchin on Monday, he said: “I think the squad’s better than it’s ever been. Just the tempo and the way the manager’s got us playing, everyone seems lively.

“You can see everyone seems to be enjoying playing football.

“Everyone seems to be working for each other and everyone seems to want the same thing which is promotion and success.

“I’m sure this team is good enough to win the league, the best team we’ve had in three years definitely.

“Even the players he’s (Paul Buckle) brought in have just brought out things in other players. Everyone seems a lot more confident around everyone else. I think they’ve just instilled that mentality. Everyone’s egging each other on to succeed.

“Even in training, everything’s a winning mentality, everyone seems to want to be the best and wants to prove themselves to get in the team.

“This year we’ve got a very good squad and I see everyone playing a big part in it this year.”

A training camp in Portugal has also helped, with Walker saying: “Team bonding-wise the lads just all seem really close. I wouldn’t say there was one person out of place, everyone seems to be getting on really well.

“In Portugal everyone worked hard, and basically just bonded even better.

“All the new lads seem involved already and seem like they’ve been here more than a year I would say. It’s good.”

Walker was also delighted to get back into action as a second half sub at Top Field and felt he did his claims for a first team place no harm at all.

“It’s my third year now,” Walker said.

“I’m really enjoying it and can’t wait for the season to go and play a part in getting us promoted.

“I just enjoyed being back playing again.

“It’s the bit you look forward to now that you’ve done all the hard work, the running and training to get the minutes on the pitch and just try and impress the manager.

“I think everyone did well. I think it’s a taster of things to come this season for everyone.

“I thought I did all right, obviously I’ve still got bits and bobs to improve on and could have got myself a goal.”

Meanwhile, Walker is now focused on trying to win a first team place this season after making just 20 appearances in his time at Kenilworth Road so far.

He added: “The main objective this season is promotion.

“From a personal point of view, each player wants to play their part.

“Each player wants to be on the teamsheet week in, week out, and getting the club to where it belongs.

“My aim this season is to hopefully cement a regular place in the team and when given the chance to score goals, create goals, put in a performance for the team and to help us win.

“I just want to be as effective as I can, just pick up the ball then try and offer something different to what we have.

“Whether that’s coming off the bench for 20 minutes or just working my socks off for the whole 90 minutes.

“Hopefully I’ll just play to my strengths and do what I can do for the club. That’s all any player can ask for really.”

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