Mitch Walker has reached 350 appearances for Dover Athletic, joining an exclusive club of players with a decade of service.
What the fee means for the summer budget
Dover Athletic goalkeeper Mitch Walker has reached 350 appearances for the club, joining an exclusive group of players with a decade of service. He originally joined Dover from Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2012 and made his professional debut in May 2010 before gaining experience on loan with Welling United and Eastbourne Borough. His first spell at Crabble spanned ten seasons, during which he became a cult hero after saving two spot-kicks in a penalty shootout during the 2013 Conference South Play-Off Semi-Final against Eastleigh. Walker missed just one competitive fixture during his first season and firmly secured cult-hero status during a dramatic 2013 Conference South Play-Off Semi-Final against Eastleigh. After Dover won the first leg 3-1, Eastleigh fought back in the return fixture at Crabble to force the tie to penalties. Walker then took centre stage, saving two spot-kicks as the Whites won the shootout 4-2. A year later, Walker was between the posts as Dover went one better. After overcoming Sutton United in the semi-final, the Whites travelled to Stonebridge Road and defeated Ebbsfleet United 1-0 in the 2014 Play-Off Final, Nathan Elder’s second-half header securing Dover’s return to the top tier of non-league football after a 12-year absence. Walker would go on to become a mainstay throughout Dover’s National League years. One of his standout campaigns came in 2017/18 when he played all 46 league games, kept 18 clean sheets and was named National League Player of the Month for March following four consecutive shutouts. There was silverware too. Walker kept goal as Dover defeated Welling United 2-0 in the 2017 Kent Senior Cup Final, lifting the trophy for the first time since 1991. His performances for the Whites also earned international recognition, with Walker making four appearances for England C during 2013 and 2014. After 279 appearances during his initial seven-season spell, Walker left Crabble in 2019 for Aldershot Town, later spending time with Tonbridge Angels and Whitehawk before the opportunity arose to return to Dover. His comeback was confirmed in May 2024, five years after his final appearance of his first spell, a 3-0 home victory over Sutton United in April 2019. His second spell has already provided plenty more memo.
Where he fits in the squad list
Dover Athletic have confirmed Mitch Walker’s return in May 2024, five years after his first spell ended in April 2024. He will join the current squad as they prepare for the upcoming season, adding experience and reliability to the goalkeeping department. Fans will be hopeful that his presence can help the club push for promotion back to the English Football League.
