Richards the latest to make grade
Academy forward Jack Richards made a surprise first-team debut in Maidstone’s defeat at Chelmsford. The 16-year-old looked bright in a 10-minute cameo and while United lost 3- 0, it was a day he won’t forget. He said: “It was hard to come on in a game like that, especially when you’re chasing it but I’m grateful I’ve been brought on and it was still good to play in front of all the travelling fans. “Even though it was a defeat, I’ll still remember it for a long time. I wasn’t expecting to come on. “It was much harder than academy football, walking on to the pitch against someone who’s 6ft 4in and three times the size of me but the other players have helped me a lot. “They’re always encouraging me, so it makes me feel better about myself and more confident.” It’s been quite a year for Richards, who scored a hat-trick in the game that saw United’s academy clinch the Conference Youth Alliance title last month. There were a few nerves when Jay Saunders initially invited him to train with the first team but the teenager soon found his feet. Richards said: “I’ve been on the bench twice before and around the first team. “I’ve trained with them for a while, so I’ve settled in nicely. “I was a bit intimidated when I started but they’ve all been good with me. “They’ve been telling me to play without nerves, just get on your game, get in your zone and you’ll be fine.” Six academy players have featured in first-team squads this season, with 14 out on loan at Ryman League or Southern Counties East clubs. Having had a taste of the action, Richards is ready if called upon during the National League South run-in. He said: “The first time I was involved on a matchday I just warmed up and then sat in the stands. “When Jay then put me on the bench I wasn’t in any rush but I just want to get out on the pitch. “I’m not sure if I’ll play again this season. The boys are doing well. “I’d love to be involved but it’s up to Jay now. I’ve got to keep working hard and hopefully there’ll be more to come. “Football is what I enjoy doing, that’s what I want to do. Nothing else, apart from football.”