We can confirm that Rico Richards has joined National League side, Southend United, on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.
The attacking midfielder initially joined the Valiants in the summer of 2024 on a season-long loan from Premier League Aston Villa, contributing three league goals to our 2024/25 promotion-winning campaign.
Richards returned on a permanent contract last summer and spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Walsall in Sky Bet League Two, featuring 14 times in all competitions.
He leaves Vale Park with our best wishes for the future, having represented the club on 34 occasions.
