STRIKER Justin Richards ended any hopes of a return to Aggborough next season by signing a one-year deal with League Two side Cheltenham Town last night.

The 28-year-old hitman was released by Harriers at the end of last season because of the club's cashflow problems.

However, hopes were high that many of the squad could be brought back after a financial injection into the club.

Last week Richards, who bagged 21 goals last season, did not rule out going back to Aggborough if the club were interested in him.

However, the lure of League Football has proved too much for the former West Bromwich Albion hitman.

He is not the first member of last season's squad to secure a new club, with Luke Jones signing for Mansfield Town and Keith Lowe joining Hereford.

Mark Creighton and Andy Ferrell were sold respectively to Oxford and York City this summer.

Assistant manager Neil Howarth denied claims that former Harriers striker Gareth Sheldon was offered a deal to return to the club.

Kings Lynn's new manager Carl Heggs revealed that Sheldon turned down a move to Aggborough after leaving Tamworth last season.

However, Howarth confirmed he had spoken to the player but said there was no interest to bring back the 29-year-old.

He said: “It is 100 per cent not true, there was no offer made to Gareth at all. He did phone me, I think he was on holiday at the time, just to say he was available but that was far as it went.

“I know him well, but it was never going to go beyond a phone call to be quite honest.

“I will have to tell the manager that one.”