STUDLEY have added some muscle to their forward line by signing burly hitman Ricardo Richards from Bromsgrove Sporting.

The striker is set to make his debut for the Bees in Saturday’s home clash against Atherstone (3pm ko).

Manager Paul Smith thanked his opposite number at Sporting Adie Mander and their club secretary Dave Stephens for waiving the seven-day wait.

“We needed to add some power to our forward line,” said Smith.

“We look like we’re going to be without Charisma Agbonlahor for the rest of the season because of his work commitments, so Ricardo is just what we needed.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to Adie Mander and Dave Stephens for helping to waive the seven days for Ricardo.”

The Bees have also recalled Inkberrow skipper Jamie Firkin. The gifted 17-year-old centre back had been sent on loan.

Meanwhile, with Saturday’s Midland Combination Premier clash at Stafford postponed, Studley drew 1-1 with Pilkington XXX in a friendly on the club’s 4G pitch, with Jamie O’Meara on target.

With Saturday’s clash against Atherstone in doubt, the club are facing a fixture backlog from the start of March until the end of the season.