Former Northampton Town and Swindon Town striker signs for Cambridge United
Marc Richards will renew acquaintances with Colin Calderwood after signing for Cambridge United on a short-term deal.
The 37-year-old striker has agreed a six-month contract until January at the Abbey Stadium to boost their attacking options after the recent additions of Sam Smith and Andrew Dallas, to add to Jabo Ibehre and Harvey Knibbs.
Richards has a long list of former clubs in a 19-year career that has seen him make more than 580 appearances in the Football League and score 184 goals.
"Marc is a mature individual who shows real leadership qualities," said U's head coach Calderwood, who was Richards' manager at Northampton Town. "He has an excellent record of promotions with teams across varying levels and that's a very valuable attribute to have.
"Once he has worked on his sharpness with the ball to allow him to find his rhythm again, he'll really add to the group of players we have now put together in that area of the field.
"We have now got Jabo Ibehre and Marc who bring a lot of experience and know-how at the latter stages of their careers, which ensures a good balance in the squad with the three younger strikers in Harvey Knibbs, Andrew Dallas and Sam Smith.
"We have a lot more strength in depth than we had last year and it will now be about identifying the best partnerships on the form of players as the season progresses. We have given ourselves ammunition to be dangerous, and have the depth that ensures players really challenging each other for a position in the team."
Richards' former clubs included Blackburn Rovers and Port Vale, while he has also helped Northampton, Barnsley and Chesterfield achieve promotion.
His more recent club was Swindon Town, where he scored 15 goals during an 18-month stay before his contract came to an end this summer.
"It's been a long summer with lots of ups and downs from last season but I'm absolutely delighted to be here now," said Richards.
"Working with Colin (Calderwood) before I know what he is all about, I know what his teams are like and that has played a massive factor in me deciding to join Cambridge United. He's had a lot of success at this level with multiple promotions and play-offs too, and that is something that I am looking for.
"I have a great impression of Cambridge United so far. It's a good training facility and I know a few individuals at the Club already, so the move felt like a no brainer. I can't wait to get going."
U's head of football Ben Strang added: "Everyone you speak to who has worked with Marc before hold him in very high regard and reference the strong character and influence that he has in the changing room.
"As Colin alludes to, we recognised that we needed to recruit at the top end of the pitch following last season and are pleased that we now have five genuine attacking threats to call upon.”
