Dundee United goalkeeper Dave Richards is setting his sights on becoming the club’s “number one” stopper for the upcoming season, following a campaign where he largely served as back-up to Jack Walton.
Richards found himself on the bench for most of last season due to the impressive form of first-choice goalkeeper Jack Walton, who was on loan at Tannadice. Dundee United had reportedly hoped to secure Walton on a permanent basis this summer, but his parent club, Luton Town, has extended his contract by a year, which has created uncertainty for United’s goalkeeping plans.
With one year remaining on his own contract at Tannadice, Richards stepped in for the injured Walton in the final two matches of the season, helping United secure a fourth-placed Premiership finish and a spot in Europe. He expressed his ambition to continue this form into the next term.
“It’s always in my head to be number one,” the 31-year-old stated. “I work hard every day to make sure I’m in good nick and ready for when the opportunity comes. I’ve played the last two games, so fingers crossed I can go away, put my feet up, come back ready and raring to go for the start of next season.”
Reflecting on Dundee United’s fourth-placed finish in the Premiership, Richards commented, “It’s absolutely brilliant, especially because we just got promoted. I don’t know how many newly promoted teams have finished fourth in recent years. We worked really hard this year for it.”
After featuring twice in the group stages of the Premier Sports Cup last summer, Richards’ opportunities were limited behind Walton. Despite the lack of game time, United manager Jim Goodwin noted that the Welshman became the “life and soul” of the dressing room.
When his chance arose in the final week of the campaign, with crucial fixtures against Rangers and Aberdeen, Richards was eager to seize it. “From Monday (before United’s clash with the Gers), the manager came over and said that I was playing, so get myself prepared and ready,” Richards explained. “It’s been a long time coming, but, I felt good and I felt confident in goal. I was a little bit rusty, but obviously that’s going to be the case having not played for a while. Overall I absolutely loved it.”
Richards also shared his experience of the post-match celebrations at Tannadice after United’s victory over Aberdeen on the final day, which confirmed their European qualification. “I had goosebumps,” the goalkeeper said. “I was like, ‘Whoa, I like this!’ It was really good and to see the fans like that, they all deserve it after what happened a couple of years ago with getting relegated. This club deserves to be in Europe. This will be the first for me. I’m really, really looking forward to that. Fingers crossed I come back in really good shape, ready for pre-season and I have a good go at it.”
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