Walker left Northern Premier League Premier Division neighbours Basford United in early May and whilst he credited the experience, he wanted a club that he could help lift to a higher level.

Walker told https://www.longeatonutd.co.uk: “I did learn a lot from playing at Basford, I just did not play as much as I wanted to. You have got to realise that sometimes football does not go your way and you have just got to pick yourself up and go again.

“I played under Ian Deakin and Craig Swinscoe at Ilkeston Town a few seasons ago and I have actually played football alongside Adam Campbell, so that was the biggest attraction, but a club with such fantastic facilities should be at a higher level and that is our aim.”

After playing for the club back in 2015, Walker outlined that this was one of the biggest factors in him joining. He added: “I have been at the club before so that played a huge part in me wanting to sign.

“The club has not really changed much since then, but I suppose with the 4G and ground redevelopment, in a certain sense it has and that is a massive thing going forward for the club.”

Walker made 47 appearances and scored 24 goals for Ilkeston Town when they were crowned Midland League champions back in 2019.

That experience played a massive part in the Blues manager’s decision to bring Walker in.

Commenting on the new arrival, Deakin said: “It is fantastic that Jamie has chosen Long Eaton United to play his football next season – he bought into exactly what we are trying to achieve here.

“He will bring valuable experience along with a dynamic attacking threat, both in goals and assists. We are extremely happy to have a player of Jamie’s calibre on board.”

Walker played alongside our current striker Alex Marshall at Ilkeston throughout the 2018/19 season.

With their previous connection in mind, Walker said: “Me and Alex had a pretty good partnership playing together at Ilkeston, so hopefully we can bring that to Long Eaton and score even more goals between us.”

Walker is very much an attacking threat, who is comfortable on the ball and wants to help pass that on to some of the younger players in the squad.

Walker said: “I am a very direct player; goals, crosses and I am not bad at scoring a penalty or two either. I have played within the higher leagues as well, so I think I have a lot to offer for the younger lads in the team, to help guide them in the right direction”.

Brothers Kyle and Connor Wrenn have also joined Long Eaton.

Kyle joins from Eastwood Community, while Connor arrives after a short spell at West Bridgford.

The pair previously played for Deakin in 2016/17 at Kimberley Miners Welfare, a factor that drew them to Long Eaton.

Explaining their change of clubs, Connor said: “Ian Deakin brought me into the first team at Kimberley and has always treated me right and wanted me to develop and advance as a player. Also, the facilities at Long Eaton are some of the best.”

Kyle looks forward to playing in a team with Connor again in the new season, he told https://www.longeatonutd.co.uk: “It is always nice sharing a pitch with your brother, there is a bit of a brotherly rivalry every now and again which is great.”

Connor added: “We are each other’s harshest critics, which helps us improve. Having your brother to tell you straight up how you need to improve or what you are doing well is a good thing.”

Commenting on his latest additions, Deakin said: “We are happy to get Kyle and Connor on board. Kyle is a player with good technical ability and has a great attitude - he will be a valuable addition to our squad.

“Connor is a very promising young footballer, he adds a commanding, physical presence to the team. I am delighted to have him with us for next season after lots of interest from clubs higher up the pyramid.”

Both players are defenders by trade; however, Kyle can also effectively be utilized in midfield. Describing his versatility, Kyle said: “If I am involved with the squad, then I am happy to play anywhere. It will be a test of my character, my fitness, and the attributes I have picked up over the years”.