Matt Richards (footballer)

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Matt Richards (footballer) bigraphy, stories - English footballer

Matt Richards (footballer) : biography

26 December 1984 –

Matthew Lee "Matt" Richards (born 26 December 1984) is an English footballer who plays for Cheltenham Town.

Career

Ipswich Town

Matt is a graduate of the Ipswich Town academy, and made his debut in the UEFA Cup against Avenir Beggen aged just 17. He received his only England under-21 cap for appearing in the England U21 victory over Ukraine U21 in August 2004. He played a prominent role in Joe Royle’s Play-Off semi-finalist making teams in 2003/04 and 2004/05. When Club Captain Jim Magilton was made manager in 2006–07 Richards found himself out of favour.Originally regarded as a left-back, he is now much more comfortable as a midfielder, either playing on the left or in the centre.

Brighton & Hove Albion

On 18 September 2007, Richards joined League One side Brighton & Hove Albion on a provisional one-month loan deal, although the Seagulls had allegedly been tracking the player all through the summer of 2007.

Richards’ loan deal at Brighton was extended by a further two months, running up until 18 December 2007, BBC Football, 18 October 2007. Retrieved 21 July 2008 ., BBC Football, 17 November 2007. Retrieved 21 July 2008 He played 14 League games in total during his three-month loan at the Withdean and ex-Brighton manager Dean Wilkins expressed his interest on loaning the player until the end of the 2007/08 season. On 17 January 2008, it was revealed that Richards had agreed to join Brighton on loan for the remainder of the 2007–08 season., BBC Football, 17 January 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2008

Richards once again rejoined Brighton on loan until the end of December 2008 on 21 July 2008., itfc.co.uk, 21 July 2008. Retrieved 21 July 2008

Return to Ipswich and release

Richards made his Ipswich return in 2009 under new manager Roy Keane starting against Cardiff in a 3–0 win at Ninian Park.http://www.clubfanzine.com/ipswich_town/v2.showNews.php?id=19375 This would turn out to be his last game for the club as he was released on 14 May 2009.http://www.clubfanzine.com/ipswich_town/v2.showNews.php?id=19623

Walsall

Richards had a trial spell with Burton Albion Clough The Magic Dragon, 14 July 2009. Retrieved 13 May 2010 scoring in a friendly against Ilkeston Town, however following a successful trial at League One side Walsall, Richards penned a two-year contract with the Saddlers., BBC Football, 4 August 2009. Retrieved 4 August 2009 Richards stated his desire to sign on at Walsall on Twitter, however, this was not possible.

Shrewsbury Town

Richards impressed during a trial period with Shrewsbury Town and underwent a medical at the Greenhous Meadow on 27 July 2011, with the deal expected to be completed in the following days. He signed a two-year deal with the Shropshire outfit on 28 July 2011, and scored his first goal in Shrewsbury colours on 8 October in a 3–2 home win over Barnet. The season finished with Shrewsbury earning promotion to League One with Richards playing in excess of 30 games and earning players, and fans player of the year awards.http://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/shrewsbury-town-fc/2012/05/01/matt-richards-big-winner-at-fans%E2%80%99-awards-night/

Richards was released by Shrewsbury at the end of the 2012–13 season and joined Cheltenham Town on 5 July 2013.

Cheltenham Town

Richard joined League Two side Cheltenham Town on 5 July 2013.