Valley Time for Big Ben

Rugby Town are pleased to welcome towering defender Ben Richards as he agrees to join.

The 27-year-old centre-back arrives at Butlin Road with extensive Step 4 experience and a reputation as a commanding presence at both ends of the pitch.

Richards had a fragmented time out last season with spells at Bedworth United, Redditch United, Heanor Town and Shepshed Dynamo before finishing with Nuneaton Town.

Previous to that Richards enjoyed a standout spell with Step 4 side Kidlington, where he was named the club's Player of the Season in 2023/24 and remarkably finished as the side’s top scorer with 10 goals from defence.

Richards has also had spells with Grantham Town, Bedworth United, Lincoln United, Newark & Sherwood, Skegness Town and Cleethorpes Town.

Manager Grant Joshua believes the defender will bring qualities the squad lacked last season: "Ben is a fantastic signing for the football club.

"He’s been in and around Step 4 regularly over the past couple of seasons and he had a really good season the last time he was settled at Kidlington.

"He’s experienced, offers us balance, physicality and chips in with goals from centre-back, which we didn’t have last season."

Joshua expects Richards to play a key role in a revamped defensive unit: "He will form part of a brand-new back line for us, with the exception of Ryley. Ben gives us flexibility in terms of where and how we want him to play as he can occupy two positions.

"It’s vitally important we improve how serious we are about defending and keeping clean sheets and I’m confident with the players coming in we’ll do that."