Introduction
Rico Dean Scott Richards (born 27 September 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Aston Villa. Richards is a product of the West Bromwich Albion academy but only made two senior appearances for the club before departing on a free transfer to Aston Villa in July 2023. He has previously represented England at U16, U17, and U18 levels.
Club career
Richards joined the youth academy of West Bromwich Albion as a seven year old, and signed his first professional contract with the club on 4 August 2020. He made his debut for the club on 25 August 2021, starting in a 6–0 EFL Cup second round defeat to Arsenal. Richards made his league debut for the club on 3 March 2023, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute in a 2–0 loss away at Hull.
On 3 July 2023, Richards joined Aston Villa on a free transfer after the expiry of his West Bromwich Albion contract.
International career
Richards has represented England at under-16, under-17 and under-18 international levels.
Career statistics
- As of match played 19 September 2023
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| West Bromwich Albion | 2020–21 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2022–23 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| Total | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| Aston Villa | 2023–24 | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Career total | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
Honours
West Bromwich Albion U23
- Premier League Cup: 2021–22