Around The Grounds

Marc Richards

Northampton confirmed on Saturday the signing of former Alex loanee Marc Richards. Richards was loaned from Blackburn 2 seasons ago at the start of the 2001-2002 Season where he appeared in just four matches. Richards only started one of those games but scored in the Worthington Cup tie Vs York City, in a game he later scored a penalty in a penalty shoot out.

Richards went on to play for Oldham, Halifax and Swansea on loan, with Swansea being his most successful spell scoring 7 goals in 14 games to help them stay in the football league. Marc, after what looked a promising future in the game was released by Blackburn this summer.

Richards signed for Northampton on Saturday and with the Division Three team now rolling in the money since a take over at the club, the 21 year old may finally settle down for a decent career.

Meanwhile former Alex youngster Dean Howell has signed for Morecambe today. The 22 year old hasn’t had the best of careers so far. Signed from Notts County in August 2000 he only played one game for the Alex when he came on against Watford in a 3-0 defeat. The left back was loaned out to Rochdale for 15 games before he was released in the summer of 2001. He signed for Southport where he figured prominently throughout last season but couldn’t stop Southport from being relegated from the Conference. Howell signed for Morecambe on a free transfer and hopes to help fire Morecombe into the Football League after they cruelly missed out in the play-offs last season, even though they finished 2nd.

The former Stoke lad said: "Relegation with Southport was a big blow, not only to Southport as a club, but also to the players, but then to be asked to sign for the Conference runners-up is a tremendous boost. I am really looking forward to the season starting and I will be hoping for us to be right up there with the top teams.”