After being sent out on loan by that pillock Stubbs, the 26 year has been offered a new deal by Warne who brought him back into the fold.
“I threw down the gauntlet to Richie a few weeks ago. I told him: ‘If you want to be here, you have to prove it on and off the pitch and at the training ground."
“Richie’s performances since have been excellent. I know we’re dropping down a level, so I expect him to excel next year. He wants to be here. He lives locally. He’s done well for me .
“His work ethic is great and he is an organiser as well. I really like him. I don’t want to release players just to get fresh blood in. Richie is really good value for money for me. If I go and replace Richie for similar wages, I won’t find a player with as many attributes as him."
Another player offered a new deal is Richard Wood; “On Woody, I spoke to my staff after every game of the last five and everyone said it was a no-brainer to keep him. I will try to do his deal on more of an appearance-related thing. I can see him being a stalwart at this club and I can imagine him being on the coaching staff one day, but he has still got a lot to give on the playing side. He is good leader, a really good human being, and I think he will have a good part to play next year.”