Roms sign model pro

Romulus boss Richard Evans reckons he's signed a model pro ahead of Saturday's big kick-off - professional model Keenen Meakin-Richards, writes Andy Mitchell.

Evo-Stik NPL First Division South manager Evans moved quickly to snap up the central midfielder, pictured, who came through the ranks at Walsall and spent time with Stafford Rangers, Hednesford Town, Halesowen Town and Hinckley United.

The busy 23-year-old also coaches football at the Sports Academy at South Birmingham College as well as helping dad Leroy Richards MBE run Community Fusion. When not training or coaching youngsters in soccer schools he squeezes in his modelling career.

Meakin-Richards told the Roms’ website: "It started about three years ago when I just got spotted in a nightclub, Chocolate, by the Mailbox in Birmingham. It has closed down now, but someone came up and asked if I fancied it and it went from there really.

"To be honest I’ve never had too much stick over it – I get a bit from Marlon Walters who is a good friend in football because he does a bit of modelling as well, but I’ve never really had a lot in dressing rooms.

"I’ve only ever had it once from the terraces at Telford. There was a bit of swearing and ‘Get back to the magazines’ and whatever, but nothing too bad."

Meakin-Richards believes that the raft of new faces at the Roms after a busy summer of business by the club will settle in quickly as so many already know each other.

He explained: "I know Dexter [Ravenhill] and a few of the other lads pretty well, we’re all good mates, and with the way Dave Barnett coaches it seems like a good set up – everything has gone well so far.

"With the team and experience we have I definitely think we can get in and around the top six – I don’t see why not. There are some tough teams in this league but I expect us to be challenging."