The former Wolves centre-back, who signed a one-year deal with the Robins, could not leave his previous club for free as he is under the age of 24 and Cheltenham could not afford his asking price.

The 22-year-old had his heart set on a move to Cheltenham fuelled by a desire to link up with Mark Yates, his former boss at Aggborough, and paid the fee himself.

"I had to stump up some of my own cash to come and play for Cheltenham and that's how much I want to be here and be back in the Football league," Riley said.

"I had two good years at Kiddy and it's a great club, but I always felt I had to make the step up as soon as I could and I have finally got my wish."

PA Sport