Youngster moves to Blues to work under joint-managers Adam Flanagan and Danny Drafter
Tom Richardson has paid tribute to Romford manager Paul Martin and everyone at the club after leaving to sign for Ryman North rivals Brentwood Town.
The 21-year-old admitted it was a hard decision to leave Boro, after making 97 appearances during two spells with the Ship Lane outfit.
He felt the time was right to move on, but conceded he has Martin to thank for the chance to play in the Ryman League.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for ‘Magic’ and everyone at Romford giving me a chance,” said Richardson.
“I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me on and off the pitch.
“I have been with him for a few years and I just think I am at the age now where I should really look at kicking on and trying to be the best I can be.
“I believe I have been loyal to Romford, but sometimes you have to put yourself first.
“It was a hard decision. I’ve turned down a few offers this season without hesitation.
“But I had a long, hard think about this one and decided it was the right time to go.”
Richardson joined Romford in the 2012/13 season and was a big success, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 win against Sudbury at Ship Lane.
That treble earned him a move to Thurrock for the latter part of that campaign, before he returned to Boro the following season.
He believes he has learnt from that previous experience. Richardson also admitted he was disappointed that he missed a crucial penalty kick for Romford in his last match for the club – a 1-0 defeat, ironically, against his new club Brentwood.
He added: “I wouldn’t leave Romford if I didn’t feel 100 per cent comfortable with the manager and team I was joining.
“I made a mistake in the past going to another team and I would like to think I’ve learnt from that.
“My last game for Romford was against Brentwood, football can be funny like that sometimes!
“I was gutted to miss the penalty, especially knowing how big the game is to Romford supporters.”
Richardson was a little surprised to have made so many appearances for Boro, but looks back on his time fondly, after netting 29 times.
He admitted hat-tricks against Sudbury and Barkingside stand out, but also noted last season’s eight-match winning run during March as a highlight.
“It is a bit mad looking back because 97 appearances sounds like a lot of games and you don’t realise that at the time,” added Richardson.
“Luckily I’ve been able to score a few winners for the club and, of course, the two hat-tricks I have fond memories of, as well as the eight-game winning streak.
“I remember managing to nick a few last-minute winners in that!”
Richardson has also backed Martin to move Romford away from the lower end of the table.
“I don’t think there is anyone else who could do the job he does,” added Richardson.
“He deserves any praise he gets. Romford have the players and have the manager to get out of trouble so I don’t think anyone at the club is panicking.”
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