DAVE Richards insists he is not at Crewe Alexandra just to make up the numbers.

The 21-year-old former Bristol City goalkeeper has signed a one-year deal, with the option for a further year, after a successful trial stint.

And although highly-rated number one Ben Garratt will be tough to dislodge, Richards is certainly ready to try.

“I’m here to challenge Ben and get my spot in the team,” he said.

“Competition is always brilliant so it will be head down, work hard and go for number one.

“Ben is a really nice lad.

“I knew about him before I came, he’s a good keeper and it’s good working with him.

“I’m really pleased to have signed, I’ve been here two weeks and really fitted in with the lads.

“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season now. Over the off-season I had a personal trainer so I was keeping fit so I came back flying “Crewe is renowned for bringing young players through and fingers-crossed I can be one of them, I can’t wait to get started.”

Although Richards never made a senior appearance at Ashton Gate, the Welshman was part of the squad which won the League One title and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy last season.

And boss Steve Davis says the club must be prepared for Garratt to move on.

“Having another young keeper who is eager to play, ambitious and wants to do well and push Ben is a better option than a more experienced choice,” he explained.

“Inevitably, when we lose Ben we will be looking for someone to come in and replace him and if we have that replacement already at the football club I think that’s good planning.”

Davis continued: “It has been difficult to find a young goalkeeper that would want to be number two to start with and getting the odd appearance but be ready to fill Ben’s boots.”

Davis will now look to secure a loan deal for a left back in time for next weekend’s opener against Port Vale.

“It’s close and we’re still having dialogue with the club,” he explained.

“They wanted to keep him for the pre-season games so we have to respect that.

“We have a back-up plan and it’s another kid from the Premier League and we’d be happy with either.”

Alan Tate or a loan option is also expected to arrive imminently with Harry Davis (knee) struggling to make that first game.

“The left back is the priority but I would still like another centre-half before the start of the season,” added Davis.

“Harry won’t be too far away and George (Ray) and Jon (Guthrie) should be fine in there but maybe I still need a fourth.”