sentences:  A product of the youth system at Colchester United, Richards won his maiden call into the first team squad for a League One match versus Hartlepool United on 30 August 2004.He remained an unused substitute during the 2–1 defeat and had to wait until 3 September 2005 to make his debut, which came with a start in a 0–0 draw with Bristol City.He made 19 appearances during the 2005–06 season and helped the Us to automatic promotion to the Championship.