A super Saddler with a real eye for goal
Adored by Walsall fans in his day, how Saddlers would benefit from the talents of striker Tony Richards in their current promotion push.
Snapped up from Blues in 1954 after a brief spell in the army, the forward initially found it hard to settle under the management of Frank Buckley and John Lowe.
But, everything changed in the 1957-58 campaign, once Bill Moore had taken over the managerial reins.
Richards sprung to life with his 20 goals ensuring Walsall would start the next season in the newly-formed Division Four.
Having found his scoring touch, Richards bettered his tally the following year – scoring 28 times to help the Saddlers finish in sixth spot and just shy of promotion.
The hit-man 'only' managed to find the net 26 times in the next campaign, but that was enough to fire Walsall into Division Three.
While the step up may have deterred many, Richards found he got even better against more established option.
His first campaign in the third tier saw him smash 36 goals, a figure which ensured he finished as the division's top scorer. It also meant Walsall achieved their dream of back-to-back promotions.
However, the rise had come too quickly and the next season Walsall were relegated with Richards being sold to Port Vale for £9,000 in the summer of 1963.
In his first 14 games for Vale, he scored an 13 goals to endear himself to his new supporters.
Injuries though then began to strike with Richards leaving Vale in 1966 and playing a few more years at Nuneaton and Dudley Town before hanging up his boots in 1967.
Prior to his death Richards was made honorary life president of Walsall FC for his service to the club. In total, the front-man scored 185 goals in 334 appearances in Saddlers colours.
