NEWPORT County AFC have re-signed Courtney Baker-Richardson on a two-year deal.
The forward returns to Rodney Parade from Crewe after being a key figure in the 2021/22 campaign.
The 28-year-old scored eight goals in 32 appearances and proved to be a superb partner for striker Dom Telford, who won the League Two golden boot.
Baker-Richardson made a slow start to life in Newport after suffering a pre-season quad niggle but went on to be a key figure under James Rowberry, impressing with his graft up front and defensive work.
He turned down a fresh contract in favour of a two-year deal at Gresty Road, going on to make 73 appearances for the Railwaymen, scoring 19 times and helping them to the play-off final when he came off the bench at Wembley.
The hard-working front man was offered fresh terms by Crewe but has returned to Rodney Parade, effectively swapping clubs with fellow striker Omar Bogle.
BACK: Courtney Baker-Richardson has returned to County
Baker-Richardson said: "I’ve obviously been at Newport before so I’m well aware of what is expected down here.
"I know the ambition of the club from when I was here. I was only here for a year last time and thought I had a good season.
"It’s a homely environment for me and I know what I must do to win the fans over.
"My ambition is always to be seen as the best I can, and the fans know I will give 100 per cent. That’s my motivation and goal.
"I try and progress every year and build on what I have done the previous season. Everyone knows what I can do; I know what I can do, so I just want to showcase that and do the damage on the pitch."
Richardson was signed by Swansea when Huw Jenkins was owner and is pleased to be reunited with the chairman.
“I had talks with Huw and I know where he wants to go and what he did at his previous club,’’ he added. “His ambitions suit mine, so I thought it was a good match.
“I want to get promoted. We (Crewe) missed out last season. To have it within your reach and then have it taken away on the day lights a different fire inside.
“I know what Huw is about. He took Swansea from the lower division all the way up to the Premier League. I don’t see why he can’t replicate that here at Newport."
Baker-Richardson joins last season’s top scorer Will Evans, Luke Jephcott, Kiban Rai and new boy Oliver Greaves as a forward option.
The forward, who previously played for Barnet, Barrow, Accrington and the Swans, becomes the Exiles ninth summer signing – and crucially provides plenty of Football League experience.
Owner Jenkins has led a recruitment drive with an emphasis on youth, bringing in goalkeeper Jacob Carney, right-back Joe Thomas, centre-back Ciaran Brennan, defender/midfielder Matt Baker, left-back Anthony Glennon, midfielder Kai Whitmore, winger Michael Spellman and Greaves.
County get their season under way at Cheltenham on August 10 with the first of six away friendlies against Undy on Saturday afternoon.
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