Richards: I'll never forget 'good-hearted' Vale fans
Marc Richards has told the Sentinel that it “will be very difficult to say goodbye, and it brings a lump to my throat to even think about it” as he says his farewells to Port Vale FC and joins League Two rivals Chesterfield.
Richards paid glowing tributes to manager Micky Adams, club staff and supporters after ending his five year spell in Burslem.
Richards told the newspaper: “In many ways I would have loved to have stayed at Port Vale, but this is a new challenge and a big opportunity for me.
“I didn’t really want to leave, but I have been at Vale for five years and it was a case of ‘now or never’.
“The offer Chesterfield made was too good to turn down at this stage, both for me and my family.
“It will be very difficult to say goodbye, and it brings a lump to my throat to even think about it, but this will be something different, something new, and I’m looking forward to it.
“Vale made an amazing offer to keep me and I had a very difficult conversation with Keith Ryder just before I signed on Wednesday. It left me choked up because I didn’t really want to go.
“I’ve had a fantastic time, met some brilliant people and some great managers. We have had a great working relationship and he has been first class, both on and off the pitch. He has been a big influence on me and I will always look up to him.
“Vale fans have a good heart. I will never forget them. I’d like to thank them for their support.”