MATT Richards comes up against his former employers later today as The Saddlers take on Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 25 year-old spent two prosperous loan spells at Albion before his Banks's stadium last summer.

It won't be the first time that the former Ipswich man has been back to the Withdean Stadium. Richards featured last season as The Saddlers recorded a 1-0 victory on the opening day of the season.

He also scored against them in the reverse fixture but, after enjoying his time at the club, he admits to always looking forward to locking horns with the Seagulls.

"I made some good friends and really enjoyed how they try to play football," he said. "They try to get it down and play and that's what I prefer to do. "I've got nothing but good memories but a lot has changed, don't know many people down there now but they are still a very strong team and can be contenders this season, they've got some good players.

"I scored against them last year which was nice but I'll score against anyone - it doesn't matter to me.

"It's going to be a tough game but we went down there last year and put in a great performance we've got to play our own game and then we can definitely get a result."