In 2000, after a disappointing season, City manager Noel Blake decided to clear out much of the squad, Richardson was one of the players to go.
The following season, new manager Mark Wright attempted to rebuild the squad, and in doing so brought in a couple of centre-backs (Phil Bolland and Scott Guyett) from his former club, Southport.
Even when Ian Atkins replaced Wright after only six-months, he could not find a place in the team, and was released the following summer.
At this point he joined Forest Green Rovers, where he remained until May 2006 making well over 100 appearances and having a spell as captain.
He was largely used as a backup during his time at Exeter, which ended after he turned down a new one-year contract offered to him in 2008 and decided to concentrate on his physiotherapy degree.