Valiants midfielder Rico Richards has acknowledged he has had a “tough” start to his loan spell at Walsall but he is hoping his display in midweek will earn him more minutes on the pitch.
The talented midfielder was signed on a two-year deal after being released by Aston Villa and it surprised many Vale fans that he was then loaned out for the season to Walsall.
Since his move to the League Two club, Richards has struggled for game time, making just three substitute appearances in the League. However, the 22 year-old has potentially forced his way into the reckoning for more starts after he scored a brace in Walsall’s 2-1 Football League Trophy win over Stevenage.
Speaking after his first goals for the club Richards told Saddlers+ TV “It’s been tough for me, coming in here, adjusting and everything but I feel like I’ve done well today and all I’ve done in training has paid off.
“I feel that this was a showcase for me I can play and obviously with the goals I can contribute as well.”
Richards is creative and skillful with excellent passing range, but at times struggles to physically impose himself on games. That could be a reason why he was loaned out. I just think Moore should have persevered with him at Vale Park. The club has plenty of midfielders but Richards is arguably the most creative. And, the Vale’s League 1 “goals for” column suggests creativity is lacking.
A ridiculous signing by a ridiculous manager, he loaded the lad out before the ink was dry on his contract. Why sign a player you have no intention on playing.