Richard Walker was signed by Ian Atkins after a successful trial in the summer of 2004. Walker began his career at Aston Villa making six Premiership apperances and scoring twice. After loan spells at Wycombe and Cambridge a loan move to Blackpool was turned permanent for £50k. 38 starts for the seasiders yielded 12 goals, but Walker was again sent out on loan to Northampton and finally by Ian Atkins' Oxford. The 6' striker scored in his first Rovers start away at Brighton in the First Round of the League Cup.