MARC Richards says he would be feeling right at home at Swindon Town even without his impressive early goals return.

Striker Richards arrived at Town on a free transfer during January after being released from League One side Northampton Town and has immediately hit the ground running for his new club, with the 35-year-old scoring four times in his first five appearances.

After netting twice on his home bow against Crewe Alexandra in League Two a fortnight ago, which included a last-gasp winner, Richards has also registered in Town’s most recent two away games – a 2-2 draw at Lincoln City last weekend as well as Tuesday’s 2-1 loss at Accrington Stanley.

Richards’ heroics in front of goal already have him amongst Town’s top goalscorers this season, with Luke Norris (12), Paul Mullin (7) and Timi Elsnik (5) betting his haul of four.

Although thrilled with his own superb contribution already, that is just the icing on the cake for Richards as he seeks to help David Flitcroft’s side achieve their ambition of promotion this season.

“I have settled in really well and am really happy to be here. The goal return is an added bonus,” said Richards.

“I have come in to get a promotion and it is not just about me, it is about the team, it is about the squad and it is about the players that aren’t involved.

“We are a team that creates a lot of chances and it is obviously my job to get on the end of them, so I am pleased with how it is going.”

Town continue their hectic schedule on Saturday when they welcome Mansfield Town to the Energy Check County Ground for their fifth game in 15 days.

After successive away trips to Stevenage, Lincoln and Accrington recently, the Stags contest provides a welcome return to SN1 for a Town side seeking a return to winning ways after picking up just one point from the last two games.

Swindon played 70 minutes a man light against the Lincoln at the weekend after an early red card for central defender Matt Preston, although Richards did not want to point the finger of blame at fatigue for the subsequent defeat at Accrington.

“Possibly the Lincoln game took a few per cent out of us for Tuesday but I thought we finished the game strongly – I don’t think we can use that as an excuse,” said Richards.

“Maybe one or two per cent might have been taken out but I thought we were the better team in the second half.

“We had more chances, we had better possession but it just wasn’t our night in the end.”