Cymru Premier outfit Haverfordwest County have stunned supporters as they sign an ex-Premier League player in Jazz Richards.
The 29 year old Wales international last played for EFL Championship club Cardiff City, but has instead made a surprise switch to Welsh football.
Haverfordwest currently sit 6th in the table, picking up 23 points from 17 games played, and are 12 points behind 3rd place Bala Town, sitting in the final Europa Conference League first qualifying round qualification position.
✍️ The Club are delighted to announce that Wales international, Jazz Richards has agreed to join the club.https://t.co/MJmTFKDmRF
— Haverfordwest County AFC (@HaverfordwestFC) March 6, 2021
CLUB STATEMENT:
Haverfordwest County are delighted to announce an agreement to sign Wales international, Jazz Richards. The transfer is subject to FAW clearance, which should be received on Monday with Richards available for selection against Aberystwyth if clearance is granted.
Richards has made 14 appearances for Wales, as well as 39 appearances for Swansea City and turned out 47 times for Cardiff City. Jazz has experience in the Premier League and the Championship with both of these clubs, whilst also being a member of the Wales squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016. The 29 year-old will bolster the options available to manager Wayne Jones heading into the end of Phase 1 of the Cymru Premier season.
Chairman Rob Edwards said: “We are absolutely delighted to complete the signing of Jazz. He is a true professional who has played at the highest level for club and country. His ability, experience and knowledge of the game will be a huge asset for the rest of the season and will no doubt raise the levels of those around him too.”
– STATEMENT ENDS –
Before signing for the Welsh club, Jazz Richards had been in training with Swansea City under 23s team, and was linked with
Sheffield Wednesday joined the likes of Salford City, Fleetwood Town and MK Dons among those keen on speaking to him.
Richards did have options to move abroad with clubs in Spain, Greece and Cyprus all keen while reports also claimed that Richards could have also moved to America with an unnamed MLS club in the hunt.
None of them deals came to fruition however and no one could have saw him deciding to move into Welsh football.
RICHARDS’ CAREER:
Youth career
West End
2005–2007 – Cardiff City
2007–2009 – Swansea City
Senior career
2009–2015 – Swansea City – 39 games
2013 → Crystal Palace (loan) – 11 games
2013 → Huddersfield Town (loan) – 9 games
2015 → Fulham (loan) – 14 games
2015–2016 – Fulham – 22 games
2016–2020 – Cardiff City – 47 games
2021– Haverfordwest County
National team
2007–2008 – Wales U17 – 10 games
2008–2009 – Wales U19 – 11 games
2009–2012 – Wales U21 – 15 games
2012– Wales – 14 games
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Fans reacted as Haverfordwest sign up the ex-Premier League player, see what they had to say below…
@PaddyCullen3: Great signing for both parties..stick him in the middle of the park..let him enjoy his football and run the show.. Good luck all
@The94thMin: 🤯🤯🤯 Wow, what a signing for Haverfordwest! A fantastic addition!
@MattyHughes10: Wow a real eye catching signing. A lot of ex pros joining the Cymru Premier.
@CPL_TnT: Sensational signing for Haverfordwest. If this goes to plan, it will be a game changer for the Bluebirds of Pembrokeshire.
@1matthewburgess: Big signing from ambitious County. This deal is believed to have been in the pipeline for some time. A coup for the Cymru Premier.
@john_mcal: Unbelievable signing! Can’t wait for David Cotterill vs Jazz Richards if we play again this season!
@Nathan_Low: Really nice to see more and more ex pros signing for Welsh league teams. It’s exactly what the league needs to create more interest.
@MatthewRandell8: What a signing this is for @CymruLeagues
@JAMBurgoyne: Got to be one of the best signings in @CymruLeagues history! What a coup for @HaverfordwestFC! @elisjames @sgorio @OwainTJones17
@PaulBrinkworth2: Surprised he was fit enough to hold the shirt!!
@dragonsvoice20: Brilliant signing for Haverfordwest County. A fantastic asset to the club and hopefully he does well there.
@ieuangardiner: How the fuck have they pulled this off
@mick_bash: Mad to think 5 years ago he had a stormer vs Belgium making Hazard look ordinary
@DarylMansbridge: How the fuck can a 29 year old go from playing in the championship every week to Welsh Prem within one year
@ayers79: Great signing for Haverfordwest and the league. Exciting times down West!!
@KemyAgustien: Yesss Jazzaaa. Quality player but even better person
@WestWalesEd: Wtf 😳
@luke70367625: What a signing that is absolutely amazing class
@kevfromle: Awesome news. Well done Wayne and the club for the signing. Good luck Jazz.
@ScfcJesus: Mental signing that, fairplay
@getho89: What a signing!!
@AdamB49386593: Great signing! Well done
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