One to Watch - Justin Richards

Port Vale's recent acquisition Justin Richards has been earmarked by Vital QPR as the One to Watch ahead of Tuesday's League Cup first round tie at Loftus Road.

Name: Justin Richards

Date of Birth: 16/10/80

Former Clubs: WBA, Bristol Rovers, Colchester United, Stevenage, Woking, Peterborough, Grays, Boston, Kidderminster Harriers, Oxford United, Cheltenham Town

Appearances (Goals): 286 (83)

QPR welcome a promising Port Vale side to Loftus Road on Tuesday, and will have to keep an eye on new striker Justin Richards as he looks to get off the mark for his new club. Something of a journeyman player, Richards brings a wealth of experience and goals to Vale Park.

Richards began his career at West Brom, turning professional in 1999, before signing for Ian Holloway`s Bristol Rovers in 2001. He had brief loan spells at Colchester and Stevenage before signing for Woking. During the 2005-06 season Richards was the second top scorer in the Conference with 22 goals in all competitions, a goalscoring record that attracted the attention of Peterborough United.

Limited appearances at the Posh led to loan spells at Grays Athletic and Burton Albion before signing for non-league club Kidderminster Harriers. Richards managed an impressive 22 goals in 65 appearances and in June 2009 he signed for Cheltenham Town. He enjoyed a successful season in which he was the club`s top scorer with 15 goals.

A year later he signed for Port Vale, with manager Micky Adams emphasising his ability to work with centre-forwards like Richards, something the club will hope to benefit from. He has settled in quickly at the club, and is keen to build a partnership with his namesake Marc Richards for the 2010/2011 season.




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