These are exciting times for Bristol Rovers' fans, with the Pirates preparing for life in League One following their play-off triumph against Shrewsbury at the end of last season. One of the heroes for Rovers last term was striker Richard Walker, who scored 23 goals in League Two, including a brace in the play-off showpiece at Wembley – taking his goals tally in the last two seasons to 43. Walker's impressive form has led to him signing a new, improved two-year deal with the club and, as givemefootball's Mark Shail discovered, he is now setting his sights on making a big impact in League One.
Q:
HAVE YOU SET YOURSELF A TARGET FOR THIS SEASON?
A:
My aim is 20 goals again. There's not a huge amount of difference between League One and League Two and I start every season looking to get 20 goals. I've done it in the last two years in League Two and hopefully I can do it again.
Q:
WHAT DO YOU PUT YOUR EXCELLENT GOALSCORING FORM OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS DOWN TO?
A:
We are a team that creates a lot of chances – it's then up to me to get on the end of them and put them away. I've got no doubts that I can get 20 again this season and, if I do, it will have been another good one for me.
Q:
YOU MUST BE PLEASED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE SIDE THAT WON PROMOTION HAVE ALL STAYED AT THE CLUB?
A:
It's great that we've all stayed together and, although we needed a few additions, they will fit right in because there's a good bunch of lads here and they make people feel welcome. Having been together for a few seasons, the majority of lads know each other's strengths. It's unusual that so many players have been here for so long, but it can only be good for the season ahead.
Q:
IT MUST HAVE BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE WINNING THE PLAY-OFF FINAL AT WEMBLEY?
A:
There's still a buzz around the place after going up and when the lads came back in for training people were still talking about the play-off final. Confidence is sky high and hopefully we'll improve things in the last couple of weeks of pre-season, which will push us on for the tricky games at the start of the season.
Q:
MANAGER PAUL TROLLOPE HAS SIGNED A NUMBER OF NEW PLAYERS THIS SUMMER, WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE NEW ADDITIONS?
A:
It's great news for the club that we have new players. We had a small squad last season and we needed everyone, but the people we had did a fantastic job. Now there is more competition which means there is more strength in depth and if people aren't doing well, there are others who can come in and keep their places for a number of games. The pressure is on to keep your place, keep doing well and hopefully that will mean we can make a challenge for at least the play-offs.
Q:
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO GET OFF TO A GOOD START?
A:
We had a poor start to last season and we can't afford to have another one in a higher league where the games are going to be tougher. To see clubs like Nottingham Forest and Leeds in League One is unbelievable, but we do enjoy going to those sort of places and there's no reason why we can't get good results. With all due respect, it's going to be a lot different than going to Accrington or Boston.
