LOCAL lad Darryl Ritchings has been handed the final place in Swindon’s side for the 2014 season.

Ritchings, from Purton, replaces Josh Bates who has been freed to join his home town club Sheffield in the Premier League.

It’s a dream move for Ritchings, 19, who will also be riding for King’s Lynn in the National League.

“I’ve been going to Swindon as long as I can remember so to get the chance to ride for them now is an amazing feeling and I just can’t wait,” he said.

“It’s a real honour for me to ride for the club and I’m really happy to have been given the chance.”

Robins boss Alun Rossiter said: “I know what this opportunity means because I remember how it felt when I first signed for Swindon, my home club.

“He’s following in my footsteps and I hope Darryl can pick up a few points for us along the way. I will work with him and we will support him as a club.”