It was a case of the boss you know rather than stepping into the unknown for Jazz Richards.
The new Fulham right-back revealed that when added together, signing for Kit Symons at a place he felt ‘comfortable’ after a 14-game loan spell last season, and a chance to cement his place in a Wales side on the cusp of monumental success, spelled no brainer.
Duly, the 24-year-old made the £500,000 switch from Swansea, ignoring interest from Aston Villa and Norwich, and now plots success with Whites and Wales, headed for their first major tournament since 1958.
“Knowing I only had a year left at Swansea, it was the right time to get out and get some games,” Richards explained. “The lads when I come here; you could see the bonds we had and long may that continue.
“Knowing the manager and how good he is and the back room staff - it’s a comfortable place for me.”
Note the video proof, as keeper Marcus Bettinelli welcomes Richards during his Fulham medical.
Symons may have quit the Welsh coaching set-up to concentrate on restoring Fulham to the Premier League, but Richards has eyes on the prize of European Championship qualification after an exciting victory over Belgium last month.
“That was one of my best highlights so far," he added.
“We’ve not done it yet: we’ve still got three games to play. So, it’s about getting game time for your club and going on to play for your country, but it’s looking strong to go to France (for the finals in 2016).”
