New Signing: Richard Blythe

Former favourite Richard Blythe has agreed to return for his second spell at Butlin Road, joining from Bedworth United.

Blythe has spent the last two seasons with Bedworth where he was made captain and was part of the squad which won promotion back to the Southern League Premier Division at the end of last season.

The 26-year-old midfielder made 130 appearances in his first spell with Rugby between 2011-2015, scoring 15 goals and has since had spells.

Blythe joins former team-mate at Valley and newly appointed player assistant Justin Marsden as new Rugby manager Carl Adams continues to build his squad for next season.

Richard originally signed for Rugby from Rushall Olympic in January 2011 having previously featured in Aston Villa's youth team and played in the 2010 FA Youth Cup Final against Chelsea.

After release from Villa, Blythe was part of Barwell's Championship side from the Southern League in 2011.

The former Welsh Under 19 International started the 2011/12 season with Evo-Stik League Northern Premier side Rushall before suffering an injury in October.

Blythe had a brief hiatus from the club from October to November 2012 due to work committments but he marked his return with a goal as a substitute against Fleet Town.

Work commitments continued to limit Blythe's involvement until midway through the 2013/4 season when he had a change of jobs and could commit to midweek games.

Richard left the club in May 2015 to join Midland Football League side Coventry Sphinx.