Walker Roderick Image 1 Portsmouth 1905

Description

Buckhaven born left back Roderick Walker began his football career with Heart of Midlothian in 1900 making his debut in a friendly against Airdrieonians in May 1900. He made his Scottish League debut in a 2-2 draw at Greenock Morton in September, but made just two appearances before joining Hill of Beath in 1901. He spent 1902-03 at Aberdeen before briefly returning to Hearts in 1903 without making any further appearances, joining Motherwell later the same year, and he made 19 appearances for Motherwell during his single season at Fir Park.

In the summer of 1904 he joined Southern League Portsmouth, making his debut against Southampton in the opening game of the 1904-05 season that September. He spent four seasons at Fratton Park, scoring 9 goals in 121 appearances for Pompey, before again returning to Heart of Midlothian in the summer of 1908. Over the next four seasons he added 103 appearances to his early outings for The Jambos, scoring 9 goals, before returning to England in 1912 to join Midland League York City, playing for The Minstermen for a single season before retirement in 1913.

He served in France with The Royal Scots during the First World War and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field, sadly he witnessed the death of his brother Murray at the Battle of the Somme.

His brother John Walker played for Motherwell briefly during the 1907-08 season, making six appearances.