Rico signs up

Jon Richardson today joined United from Exeter City on a two year contract. Rico, as he's known to City fans, was the Grecians' longest serving player, having been at St James' Park for six seasons and making over 250 appearances, with the last three seasons as club captain. The 24 year old is a solid centre back who can also play at right back and City fans have expressed their regret at his departure, which comes as a result of manager Noel Blake's close-season rebuilding which has seen him bring in thirteen new players (including former United goalie Arjan Van Heusden), meaning that he has now to reduce his wages bill. Richardson has been described by one Exeter fan as “someone who can do a good job in Division Two – he was wasted at City”. Richardson cost a “nominal” fee.

This almost certainly brings an end to the twin ongoing sagas of Steve Davis and Mark Watson who now are highly unlikely to sign for United, given the constraints on Denis Smith's budget. A lot could depend on whether or not Lee Jarman has his one month contract extended…

Smith is meanwhile still awaiting international clearance for goalkeeper Hubert Busby, who has been playing in Portugal, although it appears that Jimmy Glass still remains a possibility. Smith was hoping for clearance for Busby in time to take a look at him tomorrow at Slough, but that doesn't appear likely now.