Richards ready for old foes
Walsall midfielder Matt Richards will embrace the jeers at Norwich as he looks to use his Ipswich connections to his advantage.
The 24-year-old heads to Carrow Road tomorrow eager to get at his old enemy and renew his East Anglian rivalry after seven years at Portman Road.
He played in six derbies, winning three, and is relishing the chance to face the Canaries – along with team-mate and former Tractor Boy Sam Parkin.
Richards wants to upset the Norwich fans if it means three points for the Saddlers.
He said: "You shouldn't be trying to play better in one game than another but I'll definitely enjoy it, they always put a big crowd out.
"I was talking about it with Sam Parkin and we're going to get a little bit of stick, but I enjoy it. It gives you a little boost in the game and gets the adrenalin going.
"I've never scored against Norwich, but I've come close on a few occasions and enjoyed the games.
"They are a good strong side, all the teams that have come down are. If we can perform like we know we can, we can compete against any team in the league."
Richards was frozen out by former boss Jim Magilton, spending time on loan at Brighton, before being released by Roy Keane in May, after 168 appearances for Ipswich.
Now the Saddlers man reckons, after his summer switch to the Banks's Stadium, he can start enjoying his football again.
Richards said: "I didn't have any look in at Ipswich last season until Roy Keane took over and it was good he gave me a game against Cardiff.
"I was already resigned to the fact I wasn't going to get a new contract but it's good when a manager like Chris Hutchings wants you and brings you into his team, makes you feel welcome and encourages you – it helps your whole game.
"They've really been encouraging and I'm learning a lot of new things."
Hutchings has defensive worries ahead of the trip, with skipper Mark Hughes out and Stephen Roberts struggling with a back injury, so Manny Smith and on-loan Clayton McDonald should continue at the back.
Goalkeeper Clayton Ince and Mark Bradley are away on international duty, while Norwich are without injured midfielders Matt Gill and Owain Tudur Jones.
Hutchings goes to Carrow Road wary of the new manager syndrome, after Canaries boss Paul Lambert was appointed last month.
He said: "Paul has gone in there and had a couple of wins. He's assessing the players, changed one or two and has a few more legs in the side, so he'll be looking forward to the game.
"But we're going there to spoil his party."
