FORMER Colchester United favourite Sam Walker has joined League One side AFC Wimbledon from Reading on a deal until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old stopper has made more than 250 appearances in the Football League and at 6ft 6ins is the commanding figure the Sky Bet League One club wanted.

Dons have not won in the division since December 2 and sit one place and a point above the bottom four.

Walker told the club's website: "My size has always been the big factor, that’s why I was stuck in goal in the first place when I was younger!

"It snowballed from there and I had an incredible football education at Chelsea.

"I made a conscious decision to go out on loan from a young age and that involved playing for clubs at the wrong end of the table.

"I did that three times with Colchester and I haven’t been relegated yet.

"I know what it takes to be down there when the pressure is on.

"It’s about staying organised, competing in every game, and picking up the results to propel yourself away from the danger zone.

“I have heard great things about the goalkeeper coach Bayzo, so I am really looking forward to working with him.

"I have also played against quite a few of the lads here in League One and League Two, so I am looking forward to getting to know them.

"I like to think that my size brings that presence in leading the back-line, and distribution is also a key part of my game.”

Dons boss Glyn Hodges told the club's website: “We are delighted to have him.

“He is experienced, a good size, and a good personality. We keep mentioning about the young side we’ve got, so hopefully he will bring his experience to the group.

"We have a good relationship with Reading, I am friends with their first-team coach, so that helps.

"Obviously, when you are doing your work and the goalkeeper comes up on your list you do your research and ring around.

"We had great reviews on Sam and he was a signing that we couldn’t turn down.

“We’ve had a list of goalkeepers right the way through from the summer. That’s no disrespect to Connal, who was on that list, but when the budget wasn’t there to do a permanent one we had to look at the loan market.

"At this time last year we brought in Joe Day, who added his experience and settled things down. He was great for us, and hopefully Sam can have the same effect and maybe improve us.”

Walker, who played two games for Blackpool on loan last month, left Colchester for Reading in the summer of 2018.

The 6ft 6in shot-stopper became a firm favourite with Colchester fans, during his five-and-a-half years at the club.

He initially joined them on loan from Premier League giants Chelsea in January, 2013.