The pacey striker started off at Derby as a youngster but failed to make a first-team appearance and had trial spells at Walsall, Mansfield and Oldham.
Rickards ended up at Tamworth on a free in July 2001 and immediately bagged 17 goals, leading them to the Dr Martens League Premier Division championship, promotion and the FA Trophy final.
The Sutton Coldfield-born player could only score two goals this season in 18 games, against Halifax and Gravesend, but still earned an England semi-professional international cap.
Tamworth were struggling in the Conference at the time and Rickards was transfer listed earlier in the campaign as he looked to return to full-time football.
Jan Molby paid an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £5,000 along with a sell-on clause, as Harriers captured the striker on an 18-month contract in December 2003.
Rickards made his Football League debut as a substitute against Leyton Orient in a useful 38-minute display.
He was used sparingly as the season wore on but did score a first goal in a 4-1 home defeat to Macclesfield in March.
This season: 5 games, 9 substitute appearances, 1 goal (Tamworth 13 games, 5 substitute appearances, 2 goals, 2 yellow cards, 1 red card).
Status: Summer break.
Average Shuttle rating: 5.9 (1 star man award)
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