City taking a look at Richardson
COVENTRY City boss Russell Slade has former England and Manchester United wide man Kieran Richardson on his radar as he looks to boost the club’s League One survival fight.
The 32-year-old former Aston Villa winger is available as a free agent and has held talks with the Sky Blues about a possible move to the club until the end of the season.
Slade has been looking to add more experience on top of this week’s signing, Yakubu, who has joined the club on a short-term deal and made his debut at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.
Richardson, who started his career at Old Trafford, making 41 appearances and scoring two goals for the Red Devils, also had spells at Sunderland, Fulham and Villa before a brief stint at Cardiff City that ended in December when he was released after making only six appearances. The versatile player who can also play at leftback and in midfield has been capped eight times for England, scoring two goals for his country in 2005/06.
Yakubu, meanwhile, has told the BBC that he is ready to play his part in City’s battle for survival.
“Things are quite tough for Coventry City at the moment and I understand what is expected of me,” said the 34-year-old Nigerian international. “I had the opportunity to train with the players here, I see great qualities and believe things can get better.
“I love scoring goals and helping my team-mates to score, together we can lift the club.”
The Yak, enjoyed a decade of experience in the UK before a spell of globe-trotting.
“I left to play in China, Qatar and Turkey, but my family and heart was always in England,” said the striker who scored 96 Premier League goals – more than any other Nigerian and just five fewer than top-ranked African scorer Didier Drogba.
“I’ve always said I would love to end my career in England and that plan is still on track.
“My career in England started in 2003 and I have been very lucky to play for some top managers and teams.”
His career in England began 14 years ago and has seen him play in the top flight for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn, with short stints at Leicester City and Reading in the Championship.