RICHARDS EARNS NEW CONTRACT

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Defender signs on for another year

2026-07-13T18:30+01:00

RICHARDS EARNS NEW CONTRACT

Defender signs on for another year

2026-07-13T18:30+01:00

Jade Richards will extend her time as a Claret into a third season, having agreed a new one-year contract.

The Club has the option to extend that deal by a further 12 months, with Richards now preparing for life back in Barclays Women’s Super League 2.

Having put pen to paper, she said: “To get promotion last year and to be offered a new contract to stay a part of this team’s journey is great.

“Last season was a rollercoaster, but we crossed the line and met the target that we set at the start of the year.

“It (the BWSL2) gets stronger and stronger each year, so we’ve got be ready and make sure our pre-season preparation is spot on to be ready to compete.

“It’s nice to be back in the routine and see everyone now. It will be fun to get back into the business of playing football, which we all love to do.”

Richards started her career in the Academy at Aston Villa and spent a total of 10 years at the Villains.

Then came a move to then second tier outfit Blackburn Rovers in 2020, before a switch across East Lancashire in the summer of 2024.

The centre-back quickly took on captain responsibilities in her first season as a Claret and went on to establish herself as a regular in the side in 2025/26.

Her 27 appearances in all competitions saw her produce three goals, including a strike in March’s victory over Halifax at Turf Moor.

Richards now becomes the latest player from the third tier’s best defence of last season to agree new terms, following on from Thea Paul and Emma Siddall earlier this week.