'What more could I have got' - Taylor Richards on his gratitude for Doncaster Rovers loan

But Taylor Richards will conclude his loan from Brighton and Hove Albion having been one of Rovers’ top performers this season.

His brace in Saturday’s win over Rochdale took his goals tally to 11 for the season and there have been numerous occasions where he has been simply unplayable.

The 20-year-old said the last nine months have been extremely valuable in his development as a player.

And he believes part of the learning curve has been behind an apparent inconsistency in his performances.

“People will have their opinions and sometimes they are right,” he said.

“But for me, sometimes the games have taken their toll on my legs a lot.

“I’d played 14 games, my highest before in a season, and I’ve played 40 now. All of it is learning how to recover and things like that.

“People will say certain things but for me it is learning and I’m grateful that I’ve had this opportunity to learn.

“On the pitch, how to recover, in training

“All of this being in a first team environment, I needed it and it has helped me a lot.”

In terms of his own personal experience, Richards has been through a whole gamut of scenarios that he could face later in his career as a player.

Rovers were riding high in the table over the first half of the campaign but have struggled for form over the last few months.

And Richards says he is grateful for the experience he has collected.

“I’ve loved it,” he said.

“There’s been so many ups and downs but it’s a great group of lads and people.

“This is what I came here for, to get minutes, meet new people and get away from the environment where I was at.

“What more can I have got? This was the perfect loan for me and I’ll always be grateful for this.

“I’ve got a lot of experience.

“I’ve played 40 games and I wouldn’t have imagined that.

“The most games I’ve played in a season is 14, so to play 40 is crazy.

“And I’ve got to thank Doncaster Rovers for the opportunity.”

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.