Kane Richards has signed a new deal with Chester FC.

Former Derby County youngster Richards has been at the club since December 2014 when he arrived from Ilkeston on an 18-month contract.

That deal expired this month and up until the final few weeks of the 2015-16 season the forward's future appeared to lie elsewhere.

He had been unable to hold down a place in the team and although he did score in the 3-2 win against Wrexham, Richards later had to apologise for missing the team coach for the trip to Bromley and was then sent on loan to Gainsborough Trinity after falling down the pecking order.

Kane Richards wheels away after netting Chester's third in their 3-2 win over Wrexham.
Kane Richards wheels away after netting Chester's third in their 3-2 win over Wrexham.

However, when Ross Hannah suffered a hamstring strain with three games remaining, Richards was handed his first start in five months and grasped his chance with both hands, thriving in a central role having found himself used as a winger under former manager Steve Burr.

He helped the Blues end the season with three straight wins, scoring against Welling United and Gateshead, and credited then caretaker boss Jon McCarthy with helping him turn his form around .

McCarthy was subsequently confirmed as the club's new manager and offered Derby-born Richards a deal for 2016-17, which the speedster was pleased to accept.

"i’m happy to sign back up," Richards told the club's website.

"I felt it was the right thing for me. I didn’t play as many games as I hoped last season but now is the time to start producing like I did in the last few games of the season."

Kane Richards, in action against Lincoln City, scored four goals in 18 league appearances in 2015-16
Kane Richards, in action against Lincoln City, scored four goals in 18 league appearances in 2015-16

Richards becomes the second player this week to sign a new deal after midfielder Luke George penned a new 12-month contract .

McCarthy now has nine players under contract after Ryan Astles signed last week with Jon Worsnop, Craig Mahon, Sam Hughes and Tom Shaw under contract and youth teamers Kieran Evans and Matty Waters penning their first professional deals.