Richards can’t wait to get up and running after Town move

The 26-year-old became Hatters’ fifth summer capture after penning a two-year deal after his release by Gillingham.

He said: “You know what you’re switching on to mentally now and what targets you have ahead of you next season.

“It’s always nice to make things official and put the final bit of pen to paper. It’s all about tuning into next season now and getting yourself in the right frame of mind so knowing where you’re going to be is always helpful.”

Richards was made a free agent by Gills at the end of the campaign and it wasn’t long before Town boss Paul Buckle was enquiring about his services.

He continued: “I got a phone call off the manager and we spoke a couple of times when I was away.

“We sparked up a relationship and we hooked up when we got back.

“I liked what he was saying and what direction the club seem to be going in.

“He talked about the players he was looking to bring in, so it was all good and from then on, we got everything more or less sorted.”

Richards has come up against sides managed by Buckle in the past, and has always been impressed.

He said: “They’ve always been a well organised unit.

“I’ve never known him on a personal level, but it seems after speaking to him that he has a good football and manager’s head on his shoulders.

“He knows what he wants, so I think it always gives you confidence to speak to someone who has a clear ambition on what he wants.

“I spoke about a few things and the way I’ve played against a couple of his sides, and that’s what he is looking for.”

With pre-season now almost upon the side, Richards is looking forward to meeting up with his new team-mates.

He added: “It’s good to meet up with the lads, you can get to know each other, get your place in the changing room as such.

“We can get that little bit of team spirit and camaraderie, embrace the pre-season which I’m sure is going to be a tough one.

“The way it usually works is that the first couple of weeks is getting that base together and then spend some time assembling a little bit of football into your training, so when the games come round you can make a fast start.”

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