Rob Edwards seeking the right balance in his AFC Telford attack
Boss Rob Edwards hopes the arrival of Kane Richards will revitalise his AFC Telford United frontline as they aim to escape the drop.
Richards, 23, has joined the Bucks from Dover Athletic and made his debut as a substitute in Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat at Southport.
Edwards’ side are third bottom, three points from safety. Richards scored once in 14 games for Dover this campaign in the Conference.
“At the moment, we’ve conceded a few and not scored enough,” said Edwards. “Even though we’ve got a lot of forwards, and I think they’re good players as well, for whatever reason we haven’t been able to get that right balance.
“My job is always to try to push and get more in, try to create more competition.
“This was something we managed to get done pretty quickly.
“We’re pleased with Kane’s pedigree, in the league above. I think he’ll be a really good addition.”
Richards has also played for Chester and Gainsborough Trinity, and is comfortable through the middle or on either side of a front three.
Some supporters were surprised he was signed, though, due to already having the likes of Marcus Dinanga, Amari Morgan-Smith and Anthony Dwyer at the club.
Elliot Newby, Jordan Murphy, John McAtee and John Marsden are also attack-minded players.
Dinanga is Telford’s top scorer but did not start on Tuesday night, while Dwyer - who was in stunning form earlier in the season - was not included in the squad.
Amari Morgan-Smith was shown a straight red card late on at Haig Avenue, and Edwards added: “It just shows you need those numbers.
“Around that Easter period, we’ll have four games in a week.
“Injuries and suspensions are going to occur, and the numbers have got to be there to be able to deal with it. That’s why we’ve done it.”
Richards came on in the second half against Southport, on the left of the attacking trio. He saw very little of the ball, though.
On his Bucks bow, Edwards added: “Kane has not played much football as of late, but he’s very quick and dynamic.
“We’re trying to build him up at the moment.
“I think he showed glimpses when he came on, but it was difficult to get the ball out to him.”
