Drop has fired me up – Richards
JUSTIN Richards says being dropped from Cheltenham Town's starting line-up has made him even more determined to succeed this season.
He was left out for the first time for the trip to Port Vale on October 24 after 15 consecutive starts following his summer move from Kidderminster Harriers.
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The drop has fired up Cheltenham striker Justin Richards to perform
The 29-year-old striker was recalled to the right wing by acting boss John Schofield for the FA Cup first round defeat at Torquay United after two matches on the bench.
After stating publicly his desire to play in a centre forward role, Richards netted his fifth goal of the campaign in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Lincoln City, drawing level with Elvis Hammond as the Robins' joint-top scorer this term.
"Any player hates being dropped, but sometimes it takes some looking from the outside to see a slump in form," Richards said.
"The manager made a decision and I had to go along with that and work hard to get back into the team, but it has fired me up to stay in there now."
Before this season, Richards had only one Football League goal to his name.
His solitary strike came for Peterborough United in 2006 against an MK Dons side managed by Martin Allen and including Richards' current Robins colleague Drissa Diallo.
His five goals this season have come from 14 starts, the majority of which have been in wide positions and he is confident that the goals will continue to flow.
"I am buzzing to get the goal against Lincoln, but I was slightly gutted not to get another because I thought there was another goal out there for me," he said.
"I have to keep plugging away and hopefully the goals will come.
"I want to keep my place in the team and do it again next week."
Cheltenham travel to Morecambe on Saturday in search of their first victory in 11 matches.
A young Cheltenham Town development XI travelled to play Premier League side Portsmouth's reserve team at their training ground in Eastleigh yesterday.
A strong Pompey side, including Iceland international Herman Hreidarsson, won 3-0.
Professionals Michael Pook, Andy Gallinagh, David Hutton, Jack Durrant and Marley Watkins all featured along with scholarship players.
"It was a very worthwhile exercise for our lads and a good workout, which was the main thing," Schofield said.
11 Comments
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by Richard ll, Cheltenham
Thursday, November 19 2009, 10:52AM
“I need another cup of coffee - thanks for the reminder.”
by Edwards45, Texas
Thursday, November 19 2009, 10:46AM
“Richard III. Slackie already has had a trial. Remember when he scored 5 goals in one FA Cup game and was named in the squad of the round. Uncle Keith brought him in but failed miserably, then he went on a little mini tour of local clubs before settling back at BC. That unfortunately is where he will probably end his days at. League football will be absolutely too deep for him.
Richard, sorry mate but I think you are losing it!! First you claimed to have watched CTFC way back in 1197, then you reckon Guinan is at Lincoln instead of Conner!!!? Pull yourself together man.”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Thursday, November 19 2009, 9:48AM
“Bonjour Bob - Your right, Spencer did move to Kettering -he's scored 2 goals so far - that's 2 more than Guinan has at Lincoln.
Agree with "you're joking" about Kevin Slack being a natural goalscorer. Even though Cleeve play about 5 levels below Chelt, I think it would be worth Chelt's while to bring Slack to the club for a week's training with the 1st team to see how he does.”
by you're joking, cheltenham
Thursday, November 19 2009, 8:32AM
“Damien Spencer would not score half the goals for Bishops Cleeve that Kevin Slack did. Slack has a natural goalscorer's instinct and could get goals from nothing but only at that level. Spencer wouldn't score at any level.”
by bob houghton, france
Thursday, November 19 2009, 8:29AM
“Good morning Richard - it's been a long time but the mention of Damien Spencer has awoken me. It's the old story - commitment or ability ? I believe that either without the other is of little value. Spencer had commitment all right but I have never seen a professional footballer with less ability or natural instinct. In fact, it was his level of commitment which made him the total laughing stock that he became as he blundered blindly around the field, ten yards behind the play in the hope that the ball would eventually coincide with the arrival of his shins so he could hack it into touch or fall over it. Many a player - even at a higher level - has succeeded with more commitment than ability but they have all had SOME ability - not none whatsoever. Incidentally, does anyone know where he is now - I thought he had gone to Kettering but have not seen his name on the scoresheet, although I always maintained he wouldn't score ten goals in a season even ten leagues below the Blue Square Premier.”