Cobblers captain Richards reveals he “turned down quite a big club” to stay at Sixfields

Both Richards and Cobblers boss Chris Wilder gave passionate post-match interviews following Northampton’s victory over Notts County as they pleaded with chairman David Cardoza to “get a deal done” with Kelvin Thomas.

Following Wilder’s speech, Richards echoed his manager’s thoughts during an interview in which he admitted he had an approach from a League Two rival a few weeks ago but wanted to remain at Sixfields due to the “connection” he has with the club.

He said: “The gaffer pulled me to the side a few weeks back and mentioned there was a sniff from quite a big club in this league, but I told Chris that he bought me here for a reason and I want to stay here until that reason has been accomplished and that was to get this club promoted.

“Obviously we can’t get promoted if things go sour over the next week or so because the club could go into administration so from my point of view, let’s get things sorted so we can progress on the pitch and get promoted and push on.

“When I was here first time around we had two spells in the play-offs. We never quite got promoted but there’s a real connection for me with the club.

“I’m moving my family down from where we live at the moment and we’re looking to move in a couple of weeks so let’s hope there’s a football club around for me to move to.

“If there’s a good deal on the table and the chairman wants the best for the club, then let’s get it sorted chairman. Let’s not hang around any longer because it’s a fantastic opportunity for this club to go forward.”

Cobblers fans once again travelled in their numbers with just one shy of 1,000 supporters making the trip to Nottingham to cheer their side on to another three points.

And Richards lauded the supporters afterwards as he admitted it was an “emotional” moment when the players went over to applaud the fans after full-time.

“The fans have been extraordinary,” he added. “They turn out in their numbers week in, week out and they’re just proving that there’s a massive heart at this club and they are the heartbeat of the club.

“Let’s just hope there’s something for them to shout about over the next few weeks.

“It was emotional at the end. We walked over after a fantastic result and just to see the fans stay behind and give their full support, the lads love it and they lap it up and so they should because the fans have been absolutely fantastic all season.

“We’ve been putting in performances and getting results and it’s purely for them.”