Walks talks: Legendary keeper answers fans' questions

Legendary goalkeeper Ian Walker took time to answer fans’ questions on a visit to the Training Centre on Tuesday.

‘Walks’, who played over 300 times for us between 1991-2001 and lifted the League Cup in 1999, popped in to watch Tony Parks train with the goalkeepers on a whistle-stop visit from his work as goalkeeper coach to Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League.

The questions came flooding in for the former England international – here are just a few...

Who was the best defender you played behind? From John Hearson ‏@londonboyjohn  

Ian Walker: “Gary Mabbutt was a fantastic defender. Mr Consistent & what he went through with his diabetes makes him a great inspiration.”

@IanWalks1 what was your favourite save? From Ben Rosenthal ‏@Ben_Rosenthal

Ian Walker:  “I'd have to say against Man Utd, close-range from Cantona and I just threw up a hand. We went on to win 4-1.”

Who do you think is the best player you have played with in your career? From Brandon Hammé ‏@brandon_hamme

Ian Walker: “Klinsmann, Sheringham, Gascoigne, Lineker, Ginola… There's so many. If I have to pick one it be Gazza. He was outstanding!”

I’m a big fan, you are the reason I wanted to be a goalkeeper. What age did u start goalkeeping? From martin bryan ‏@tintinbryan1985

Ian Walker: “I'd say at 9 or 10 years old but before that I actually used to play as a striker for my primary school.”

You had interesting kits in your time did u have a hand in any of the designs? From John Benfield ‏@Benfield13

Ian Walker: “No, I had no input into the goalkeeping kits whatsoever! I certainly would have tried to change a few if I did.”

What was your best season as a Spurs player and why? From Haris Setyo Utomo ‏@Harispurs

Ian Walker: “Leading up to Euro96 was a good season as I got into the England squad but I think 1999 was a good season. We did well in both cups.”

What do you think of the new training facilities? From Daniel Woodley ‏@dwoodley1990

Ian Walker: “It's state of the art, it's what you dream of as a player. I wish I was playing here now. It  doesn't get better than this.”

What advice would you give to Hugo Lloris? From Sarim Ali

Ian Walker:  “Not advice. Hugo is world class - very quick and reads the game well. He obviously is good at coming out and sweeping – he's top class. He'll be a big asset to the Club for many years.”

What was it like when you played your first home game at white Hart lane??? From Gary Lee

Ian Walker:  “Emotional – one of the best feelings I've ever had playing the first game at the Lane.”

Favourite moment in a Spurs shirt? From Sarim Ali

Ian Walker:  “That's easy! Winning the League Cup in '99 was definitely the best moment.”

How did it feel filling the gloves of a club legend like Erik The Viking? From Ollie Wadhams

Ian Walker:  “It was a big achievement as Erik played 90 something games for Norway and a favourite here so to play in front of him was a big achievement.”

What do you do these days? From Anthony Neeson

Ian Walker:  “I'm the goalkeeping coach for Shanghai Shenhua Football Club in China.”