Ashford PTC and the other remaining regional training centres, Aykley Heads in Durham, Bruche in Warrington, Cwmbran in Wales, Ryton in Ryton-on-Dunsmore and Shotley in Ipswich were closed.
Forces in other parts of the country usually sent their recruits to similar centres at Ashford in Kent, Aykley Heads in Durham, Ryton-on-Dunsmore in Warwickshire and Cwmbran in South Wales.
During his time at Cwmbran, Richard attracted interest from a number of football league clubs and after an unsuccessful trial at Nottingham Forest F.C. he spent 3 months with Swansea City A.F.C. where he was on the verge of signing until Manager Nick Cusack was released from his coaching position and the deal fell through.