The Walker Wonderland has closed! What next?

A striker in red-hot form, inevitable there would be league clubs circling, but you never think it will happen – until it does.

Once again, hopes of the play-offs are put into doubt due to the Daggers’ inability to hold onto their key weapons in the play-off battle. That’s not to say it was a wrong decision to let Walker go to League One Burton – no doubt his recently-renewed contract at Dagenham to 2025, saw the ‘undisclosed fee’ bring in some good money for the club – but that doesn’t detract from the immense frustration that this has happened again!

“The club has always had a proud history of picking up players and developing them and Josh is another one that falls into that bracket. Both my staff and myself have loved working with him as he is a fantastic character as well as a top talent and we wish him the best in the future and hope he continues to develop and flourish.”

Daryl McMahon on Josh’s Departure

A top-quality striker is not easy to find, losing one in red-hot form leaves them seemingly irreplaceable, so the news comes – as some took it – in the immediate aftermath, as a goodbye to the play-offs.

Undoubtedly, it’s a big blow, there’s no getting away from that. However, we’ve the likes of Paul McCallum and Junior Morias who now have the perfect opportunity to step up to the plate, as we know they are more than capable of, and secure this top seven spot – providing the goals up top.

A replacement on the cards?

So, the Number 7 shirt is now vacant, but for how long?

As aforementioned, Walker signed a new deal at the start of the season extending to 2025, so this undisclosed fee must have been some good money.

I think it’d be right to spend that money on a quality striker, as both a replacement but also one of McMahon’s trademark mid-season signings to rejuvenate the side and get us over the line.

I’m at a loss to suggest any names as replacements – not privy to the money at hand and how much it would cost to prize a striker away from another club – but some good business here is, I believe, crucial to the club’s play-off prospects.

Play-offs remains the realistic aim?

Absolutely, it’s a huge blow, but not one that should knock us out of the play-off picture so long as it is dealt with properly. I deem it foolish to let him go without some idea of a replacement in mind. Unless McMahon takes the gamble in utilising what we’ve got and putting faith in this current squad to take us there.

Either way, expectations remain the same in spite of Josh Walker’s departure. It’s a blow, but by no means a fatal one, and attentions must now to turn to Wealdstone and getting this play-off chase back on track – with or without a replacement.

23 goals in 60 appearances, taken into Daggers’ hearts over the last 18 months. Let’s hope he’s a Dagger who tears the football league apart.

Good Luck Josh and Come On You Daggers!