Teenager Richards puts football first

Maidstone academy player Jack Richards has given up his family holiday to be available for the start of the season. The forward (pictured) is a genuine contender to feature in Stones’ first National League campaign, having broken into the side at the end of last season. And while there’s no guarantee of football, the committed teenager wants to be around against York on August 6. Stones boss Jay Saunders said: “Jack’s definitely in my plans. He had a family holiday booked for the first two weeks of the season and he’s now not going. “I’ve been impressed with him. I’ve said I’m not promising anything, the same as I won’t anyone else but he’s doing himself no harm. “He’ll be around for the first month or so and if he’s not getting minutes, then maybe we’ll loan him out for a month. “I wouldn’t do a long-term loan, I want to keep him in and around the place.” Richards started on Tuesday night as Stones drew 2-2 at Ashford.