AFC Bournemouth coach Shaun Cooper says long-serving Poole Town defender Michael Walker “thoroughly deserves” his testimonial.
Cooper will tomorrow line up for a Cherries XI against a non-league select team at Poole’s Black Gold Stadium to mark Walker’s illustrious career (7.45pm).
Walker (above left), who has been battling serious knee injuries for the past two years, will feature in the match, his final taste of action before hanging up his boots.
Cooper, under-21 coach at Vitality Stadium, played alongside Walker for the Dolphins in 2017 and will be joined in the Cherries team by Alan Connell, who also had a spell at Poole.
Gareth Stewart, James Hayter, Brian Stock, Carl Fletcher, Anton Robinson, Danny Hollands and Steve Lovell will also feature for the Cherries who will be managed by Mark Molesley.
Jake Scrimshaw, who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with the Dolphins this season, is also expected to feature for the Cherries.
And Brett Pitman, who has helped Portsmouth reach the League One play-offs this season, could make a guest appearance alongside Molesley in the technical area.
Cooper told afcb.co.uk: “Walks has been a very loyal servant to Poole Town and was a great player to play alongside during my brief time with the club.
“He was a combative central defender, a huge presence, a fearsome opponent and a fantastic teammate.
“It’s unfortunate he has had a couple of bad injuries in the past couple of years and it is never nice to see someone have to stop playing.
“He thoroughly deserves this testimonial and I hope he gets a good turnout. We are looking forward to getting back together to play in the match.”
Entry to the game, which is sponsored by Dorset Abilities Group, is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.
Poole Town manager Tom Killick told afcb.co.uk: “Walks has been a truly inspirational figure for us. He is a real leader of men and has been instrumental in our success as a football club over the time he had been with us.
“He is a charismatic individual who never backs away from a battle. It has been a pleasure to have been his manager and I am so grateful to him for everything he has done for the club. I am very pleased to see his service to the club recognised with a testimonial and I hope he gets the turnout he deserves.”
