Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper David Richards is fully expected to make a full recovery from his shoulder injury and resume full training when the players return on a full-time basis at the end of the month. He will challenge Will Jaaskelainen for the number one spot next season following the departure of the long-serving Ben Garratt.
The former Cardiff City and Bristol City stopper, who started last season in the number one shirt before being displaced by Ben Garratt at the end of August underwent surgery on an injured shoulder in March, prematurely ending his season.
It ruled Richards out for the run-in and that allowed the emerging Finn Jaaskelainen to come through and make his first team debut for the club.
Richards, 25, was a constant fixture for the club’s Under-23s last season and he made five first-team appearances last season.
The Abergavenny-born goalkeeper has worked on his rehab over the summer and is expected to declare himself fit for our first pre-season away at Nantwich on 6th July.