Matt Richards (footballer, born 1984)

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.

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.[2][3] 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.[4]

Richards once again rejoined Brighton on loan until the end of December 2008 on 21 July 2008.[5] He scored his first goal for Brighton in a 4-0 Football League Cup win over Barnet on 12 August 2008.[6] In the following round he scored the winning penalty as Brighton knocked out Premier League side Manchester City in a shootout.[7]

Richards made his Ipswich return in 2009 under new manager Roy Keane starting against Cardiff in a 3–0 win at Ninian Park.[8] This would turn out to be his last game for the club as he was released on 14 May 2009.[9]

Richards had a trial spell with Burton Albion[10] 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.[11] Richards stated his desire to sign on at Walsall on Twitter, however, this was not possible.

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.[12] 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.[13]

Richards was released by Shrewsbury at the end of the 2012–13 season and joined Cheltenham Town on 5 July 2013.[14]

Richard joined League Two side Cheltenham Town on 5 July 2013.[14] He scored his first goal for Cheltenham in a 3–1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle on 17 August 2013.[15]

In August 2015, he signed for League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge on a one-year deal after impressing whilst on trial during pre-season.[16] In May 2016 as his contract expired, he was released along with eleven players as Dagenham were relegated to the National League.[17]

In November 2017, after a year out of the game, Richards joined Bath City of the National League South.[18] On 23 March 2019, he joined Banbury United in the Southern Football League Premier Division.[19] He left the club in late May, at the end of the season.[20]