Rico Dean Scott Richards (born 27 September 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL League Two club Port Vale, on loan from Premier League club Aston Villa.
Richards is a product of the West Bromwich Albion academy but only made two senior appearances for the club before departing on a free transfer to Aston Villa in July 2023. He has previously represented England at U16, U17, and U18 levels.
Club career
West Bromwich Albion
Richards joined the youth academy of West Bromwich Albion as a seven year old, and signed his first professional contract with the club on 4 August 2020. He made his debut for the club on 25 August 2021, starting in a 6–0 EFL Cup second round defeat to Arsenal. Richards made his league debut for the club on 3 March 2023, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute in a 2–0 loss away at Hull.
Aston Villa
On 3 July 2023, Richards joined Aston Villa on a free transfer after the expiry of his West Bromwich Albion contract.
On 18 January 2024, he joined League Two leaders Stockport County on loan until the end of the season. On 29 March 2024, Richards scored his first goal in senior football, in a 3–0 league victory over Forest Green Rovers.
International career
Richards has represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-18 international levels.
Season Stats
2 appearances in the current 2024-2025 Season
2 goals scored in the current 2024-2025 Season
English Football League 2 2023-2024 Stockport |