EXETER City’s loan problem has quickly been resolved with Leicester City recalling striker Amani Richards from his spell at St James Park.

The 20-year-old has not featured for the Grecians since coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 home defeat to Birmingham City on November 26. That was his sixth and final appearance in which he scored only once, the winning goal in a 1-0 League One win at Leyton Orient on October 1.

Former Arsenal youngster Richards had been due to spend the season with the Grecians, but after falling out of favour, the Premier League Foxes have triggered a recall clause that allows him to return to the Midlands.

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A statement released by the Grecians read: “ Exeter City can confirm that Amani Richards has been recalled by Leicester City from his loan with the Grecians.

“The young attacker joined the club in August and made six appearances, scoring the winner and his first professional goal in City’s 1-0 win away at Leyton Orient in October. Amani would also play a role in City’s Premier League Cup campaign, scoring twice in City’s 3-1 win over Barrow at SJP.

“Exeter City thanks Amani for his efforts in red and white and wishes him all the best for his future career.”

Richards was one of six loanees at St James Park and with only five allowed in a matchday squad, it was a problem facing manager Gary Caldwell. Now that has been alleviated by Richards’ return and it leaves him with goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, defenders Tristan Crama and Johnly Yfeko and attacking midfielders Kamari Doyle and Joel Colwill, who joined the club earlier this week on loan for the rest of the season from Cardiff City.

Caldwell may yet bring another loan player to the club and he is keen to do more business between now and the end of the window. City’s Cup run and Peterborough United’s sale of former Grecians Academy product Joel Randell, who they negotiated a sell-on fee as part of his move to London Road, means the coffers have received a welcome cash boost this past week, which could be used to strengthen the playing budget.

“Possibly one… and if I ask nicely after the Cup win, there’s some money coming in, so I might go up to the boardroom and ask very nicely!” Caldwell said, when asked about transfer business.

“We were trying to get one more before (the Oxford game) but we will see what we can get. The window is really difficult in January, as we know from last year, to get permanent signings, so we will have a look at the market and see what is out there.

“If we can get a player that is going to make us better then great, if not, then the squad is extremely strong, as we have seen recently with the bench and players that are missing out. We will see what we can do.”

Meanwhile, the Grecians have named David Oldfield as their new Under-18s lead coach and he will succeed Nicky Ajose, who left the club for a role with Manchester City Women’s team in November.

The 56-year-old former midfielder Oldfield has a wealth of experience at all levels of the game having made close to 700 appearances for the likes of Luton Town, Manchester City, Leicester City, Luton Town, Stoke City, Peterborough United and Oxford United.

“It’s been a whirlwind last few days but it’s been really great to see the boys and the staff and everybody’s made me feel really welcome so I’m very much looking forward to it,” he said.

“There’s some good young players here and the club have a real determination to try and get them through, and I have to say the first team staff have a real want to play young players if they’re good enough. Having that joined up thinking throughout the club is very attractive.”

Academy Head of Coaching Ian Parkes said: “We’re thrilled to welcome David to the club. The role of Under-18 Lead Coach is a vital part of our academy’s mission to develop not only quality players but also well-rounded individuals. In David, we’re confident we have someone who can drive us forward.

“Although he’s only been with us for a short time, David has already made a noticeable impact on both the players and coaching staff. We’re excited to see how his expertise and experience will continue to benefit the academy.”