Crawley Town has won the race to sign Bradford City full-back Lewis Richards.
The Bantams’ full-back has faced a major battle against injury over the past few months, limiting his availability in the push for automatic promotion heading into a vital period where they face Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town and Lincoln City.
Crawley Scoop Up
According to the Daily Mirror’s Dan Marsh, Crawley Town are finalising a permanent move for Lewis Richards, who is currently undertaking a medical ahead of moving to Sussex.
The 24-year-old has only managed four appearances this season, all of which in cup competitions, as he battled injury issues stemming from last season.
Missing out on the final stretch of last season, in which Bradford gained promotion in dramatic fashion due to a shoulder injury, Richards still earned a 12-month extension to his contract at Valley Parade over the summer.
However, it has been hard going for the former Harrogate Town man, who has had to compete with Tyreik Wright for a place at left-wing-back in Graham Alexander’s squad.
With Josh Neufville also able to play in the position alongside new January signing Harrison Ashby arriving, opportunities may become more limited leading to a sale to Crawley, who beat multiple other League Two sides for his signature.
Defensive Shift Continues
January has seen a big change in defence for Bradford City, and that is set to continue as Lewis Richards’ time at Valley Parade comes to a close.
Both Tom McIntyre and Brad Halliday have already headed out the door in the past week, and with just Harrison Ashby arriving so far, there may be another signing at the back as City pursue promotion at the first time of asking.
Bradford definitely need to focus further up the pitch following the exit of Andy Cook to Grimsby Town, and securing a regular goalscorer that can be supported by Antoni Sarcevic and new signing Joe White will certainly help their efforts.
Great Addition To Crawley’s Rebuild
Crawley Town are undertaking a big rebuild this window, with multiple members of their playoff-winning team returning to Broadfield.
Both Danilo Orsi and Klaidi Lolos have returned to play under Scott Lindsey once more, being two of eight signings to arrive at the Red Devils so far.
Lewis Richards is set to be the next new face arriving in Sussex this season, and should be a good option to have if he can stay fit, which was a major issue for him at Bradford.