Pitchero Non League

The 6`2” 26-year-old has agreed a two-year contract at Kenilworth Road which will commence on 1st July.

Richards joins the Town following his release from npower League Two side Gillingham where he made 122 appearances in four years.

A tough, no-nonsense defender, the Romford-born man started his career with Colchester United, who he helped earn promotion from League One as runners-up in 2006.

In August 2007 an undisclosed fee saw him make the short hop south to join Southend but, after just six months and fourteen appearances at Roots Hall, Richards made the move to Priestfield.

Richards' first full season with the Gills ended in glory as the Kent club won promotion back to League One following a play-off final victory over Shrewsbury at Wembley with the defender playing a key role at centre half.

In all the Hatters' latest recruit has 150 Football League appearances under his belt and made twenty-eight appearances last term for Gillingham, scoring three goals before a broken leg curtailed his campaign in early March.

Having made a quick and full recovery from his injury, Richards passed a rigorous medical at the Town's training ground on Monday afternoon, and Luton boss Paul Buckle told of his delight at his fifth capture in ten days. "I'm after winners - and Garry is a winner," said Buckle. "With both Colchester and Gillingham he has had the experience of winning promotion.

"He's a leader too, and has a real presence in defence. He is strong and powerful.

"I have said before that I do not want this team to be a soft touch. Garry will make sure of that. I do not want players shirking responsibility - I want my men to stand up for themselves and he epitomises the kind of character I'm looking for in my defence."

Tags: News | Luton Town

• Blue Square Bet
• Blue Square Premier
  • + Bucks Make Fourth Summer Signing
  • + Wilkin Snaps Up Aussie Keeper
  • + Board Approve Imps` Stadium Name Change
  • + Brill`s Back at Kenilworth Road
  • + Party Atmosphere for Man Utd Visit
  • + Charnock Goes from Fleetwood to Macc
  • + Daish`s Rebuilding Job Almost Complete
  • + Harriers Complete Vaughan Deal
  • + Reds Friendly Abandoned
  • + Boucaud Loaned Upwards in the Pyramid
• Blue Square North
  • + Kinsella in to Help Greene at Histon
  • + Obaze Earns Stortford Deal
  • + Lee Has High Hopes For Reed
  • + Sinnott Demands a Reaction
  • + Harvey Gets Busy
• Blue Square South
  • + Magpies Keen to Borrow Grecians
  • + Clarets Net Youngster Calver
  • + Robbo Returns to Wood!
  • + Pennyfather Pays Tribute to Front Line
  • + Boro Bring in Brighton Youngster