[4] He started his Bolton career in impressive style, scoring 24 times as they won promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs.

In June 2004, he signed for Championship side Leeds United on a free transfer, agreeing a three-year deal with the club.

On 30 January 2006, he signed for Championship side Burnley in a loan deal that would keep him at Turf Moor until the end of the season.

On 30 June 2006, Ricketts signed a two-year deal with Championship side Southend United with an option to extend for another year.

However, after only a couple of months into the new season, Southend released Ricketts on the basis that he was overweight and had put on weight since joining the club, questioning his level of fitness.

After leaving Southend, Ricketts joined Preston North End, playing a handful of games for their first team.

[15] However, Ricketts' fitness and his inability to break into the first team on a regular basis led to him being released by Preston on 8 May 2007, again leaving him without a club until being picked up by Oldham Athletic, for whom he signed until 2010.

At the game against Southend United played at Roots Hall on 7 March 2009, Ricketts was sent off in the 14th minute when he attempted to punch Kevin Betsy.