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.

This season: 5 games, 9 substitute appearances, 1 goal (Tamworth 13 games, 5 substitute appearances, 2 goals, 2 yellow cards, 1 red card).

Status: First-choice forward.

Average Shuttle rating: 6 (1 star man award)