Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Dave Richards is on the brink of sealing a loan move to Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone, reports The Daily Record.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper has fallen behind Tom Booth and Liverpool loan man Harvey Davies at the Mornflake Stadium, with the latter becoming the hero on Tuesday night as he saved a decisive spot kick in the penalty shootout victory over Sunderland in the Carabao Cup.
Meanwhile, the Saints are in need of cover for former Cambridge United goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, after current back-up Ross Sinclair broke his arm in a behind-closed-doors fixture on Monday.
With another young keeper, Jack Wills, already out as well, the Perth club had no option but to go back into the transfer market to recruit another man between the sticks.
Richards moved to the Cheshire club in 2015, but has only appeared 93 times in the past eight seasons, with 12 of those appearances coming last term.
Primarily used as their number two, the former Bristol City and Cardiff City man did play 32 times in the league during the 2021/22 season, with the Railwaymen finishing rock bottom of the League One table.
The Welshman began his career at Cardiff, but failed to step out on the pitch for the Bluebirds, instead enjoying loan spells at Llanelli, Chippenham Town and Bristol City, before signing for the latter on a permanent deal.
Two years in Bristol also resulted in no first-team appearances, before the Abergavenny-born ‘keeper moved to Crewe.
Writer’s view
It is disappointing that at the age of 29, Richards has only played a century of games so far in his career. He has clearly fallen down the pecking order at the League Two club, and a move is necessary for both parties.
The bench will likely be Richards’ home once again, as Mitov will be the undisputed number one at McDiarmid Park, following his move over the border this summer.
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