The SJ Mercury reported this week-end that the Quakes are in talks to bring Johnny Walker to the Quakes. If Yallop is succesful, this will be almost as big as bringing Donovan in. Walker has had huge success down in the Chilean Professional League. Soccer America had him featured for a cover story a few weeks back. I was very disappointed that the Quakes could not hold onto Canon, but if we are successful in bringing Walker into the fold Joe will be nothing more than a pleasant memory. I see that there is not a lot of confidance going forward with lots of you posters. The Quakes will have to work some issues out. We have officially lost four starters (Barrett, Canon, Conrad,Graziani) with another two groaning (Ekelund and Mulrooney). Let's see what happens over the next month before we all commit hari kari! Just a closing thought, but I bet that we will see Russell lining up at Right Back often enough. He is a tough defender, obviously throws in some good crosses and has more than decent speed.
Although bringing in JW would definitely fill the big shoes left by Joe, I don't necessarily think it's the best move for the team... Conway has studied under Joe for some time and seems to have proven himself whenever called upon. I think given the chance, he can perform well. I think we are better off using the extra cap room by finding solid left foot to shore up the defense.. -Forever a Quakes fan!!!
All the talk about Conway being the answer is garbage. Once again, when was the last time you saw him put up a decent MLS performance? Make it known to the people that I predict Saunders or whoever we drafted will be starting in goal by game 7 if we keep Conway as a starter. Sign Walker, please. Conway is a backup goalie, if anything.
I believe FY already feels we have done that by drafting Dunivant...a highly rated pick who is left-footed. Granted, we don't expect him to start and contribute right away but I can't imagine the Quakes spending more $$ on something they already spent their #1 pick (and the money that goes with it) on Dunivant. Given that the defense will be initially shaky, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them channel those funds into Walker. No knock on Conway--we're behind him, but if he falters and we have only a rookie to turn to we're fished! If the money is directed anywhere else, I'd expect it to be an upgrade on the wings.
The thing about Walker is that he's unknown. Some people on these boards (not necessarily this forum) have built him up so much that expectations are pretty lofty. But none of us have seen him play .... right? He could be the Luis Hernandez of goalkeepers for all we know.
I've seen several of his games from Chile.. He's good but not Friedel or Keller good at present but a vastly improved keeper from his time in MLS. He should do okay in MLS but it's hard to say only because the state of football in Chile is a bit hard to judge for me..
I'd like some Johnny Walker....am I the only one in here who knows what that is, please tell me its not a redneck drink or anything, something that only Texans would know about???
Actually that's Johnny Walker (the booze) and the soccer player is Jonny Walker. Often refered to as Jonathan Walker..Sometimes Jon Walker and sometimes Hey You With the Ball.
Re: Re: Welcome Johnny Walker??       Is that like how former 49ers quarterback Steve Young's full name is Jon Steven Young (not John Steven Young)?
i'd love to see walker signed by the q's. it bears some consideration, i believe, to evaluate a player who took himself so completely out of his normal realm as walker did in going to chile. virtually every day would pose some sort of real-life difficulty for an ami. that he managed this while ALSO, by all accounts, playing very well for catolica, is no small feat. all that said, i DO agree with previous posters about the unfortunate implications of his name. reminds me of an old david letterman "top 10" list: "the top 10 punchlines to dirty scottish jokes." among them were "i've heard of 'coming through the rye,' but THIS is ridiculous!" "no, those AREN'T bagpipes, but don't stop blowing." "would you like to shake hands with the loch ness monster?" and, "'where's sarah?' 'she's back in the distillery, making jonny walker red.'" sorry, i couldn't help but lapse into some sophomorics....
oh well see, waldo messed me up because he spelled it wrong first I actually have no clue who he is, I've never heard of him until this thread.
I'd say Walker would be a good addition to the team. SoccerAmerica reported that he earned $100k in Chile but that he's willing to take a lot less in MLS. At those numbers, he'd be a solid pick-up. No knock on Jon Conway, but he never really instilled a lot of confidence. I'd submit that MLS probably has better keepers than the Chilean league, and Jonny Walker may not be Goalkeeper of the Year, but I suspect his experience and talent are enough to make him the regular Quakes keeper.
I never claimed to be spelling bee champ! Sorry that I offered incorrect info. The bottom line for me is everytime that I have seen Jon Conway play he has made me cringe. He came off of his line way to quickly, his hands did not seem anywhere near sticky enough for me. I don't know but if the hype about Walker is correct we will be happy to have him in front of Conway on the depth chart. oUT
I hope to God that you are Mr. Sarcasm in a Quake's fan disguise? Otherwise pass me some of what you're smoking!