Dean Richards dies

W

OLVES’ impressive 4-0 victory over Blackpool yesterday paled into insignificance with the news of the death of Dean Richards.  Ex-Wolves icon Richards passed away yesterday morning after a long illness at the tender age of 36.

Born in Bradford, Richards played for his hometown club and also was a youth coach there after retiring from the game.  He also turned out for Wolves, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as five times for the England U21’s.  In total, the central defender scored 17 goals in 348 club appearances, in a career that spanned 15 years.

DEAN RICHARDS - 9 June 1974 - 26 February 2011

Richards began his career in Bradford in 1992 as an 18-year old, playing just over 80 games for the Bantams.  

He transferred to Wolves in the summer of 1995 for a then club record fee of £1.85million.  This came after a successful loan spell at Molineux.  He was quickly elevated to the role of club captain at Wolves and earnt a place in the heart of many loyal supporters for his committed performances and never-say-die attitude.  Sadly, a car accident in 1996 saw him struggle on with knee and back injuries and meant he would have many frustrating spells on the treatment table.  When on form, the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea expressed interest in Richards, seeing enough of him through the injuries.  Sadly for Dean, that dream move never came off, nor did his constant battle to stay 100% fit.

The peak of his career came on the South Coast with Southampton.  Dave Jones snapped him up on a free transfer in July 1999 when his Wolves contract expired.  Quickly, he established himself as a fans favourite again and was voted the Southampton Player of the Year by the supporters in his debut season, 1999-2000.   He came closer than ever to an England call-up, but didn’t make the final cut under either Kevin Keegan or Sven-Goran Eriksson.

However, former England manager Glenn Hoddle did see potential in Richards and having coached him at Southampton, bought him to Tottenham for a staggering £8.75million in September 2001.  He scored on his debut in the epic 3-5 defeat to Manchester United at White Hart Lane, but once again, injuries got the better of Dean.  He only played in 73 games for the North London side in four seasons and after suffering from regular dizzy spells and headaches, was forced to quit the game in March 2005 on health grounds.  When announcing his retirement, his disappointment could clearly be told; “I am obviously deeply disappointed to be giving up the sport I love, but it's the only choice."

He worked hard on his coaching qualifications are rejoined Bradford as a youth team coach in August 2007.  However, his battle against illness turned out to be his biggest fight of all and sadly, he passed away yesterday morning after a long-time battle. 

Wolves were devastated at the news of losing one of their former favourites; “Everyone at Wolves is saddened to hear of the death of Dean Richards.  "Remembered for his trademark skilful breaks out of defence as well as his ability in the air, Richards will always be fondly remembered by Wolves fans who continued to follow his career closely when he moved on to Southampton and Tottenham.  "There will be a tribute paid to the defender ahead of next Sunday's game with his former club Spurs."

All thoughts go out to Dean’s family and friends at this difficult and distressing time.

Classic Premiership Matches 21-40

In the past 18 seasons, football fans across the globe have been treated to some cracking Premiership matches.  On the eve of the 19th season having begun yesterday, here is a look-back at some classics down the years.

21.           Norwich City                          4-5           Southampton                          Saturday 9^th April 1994

This was a nine-goal thriller at Carrow Road, as Norwich squandered a 3-1 lead to lose the game.  The Saint messiah, Matt Le Tissier scored another hat-trick and a powerful header from centre back, Ken Monkou earned a priceless victory for the Saints, enough to end up seeing the South Coast outfit stay up.

22.           Arsenal                                    2-2           Manchester United                  Wednesday 16^th April 2003

Down the years, Arsenal and Manchester United have served up some controversial and spicy matches, none more so than this championship crunch at Highbury.  The Red Devils made the best start, with top scorer Ruud Van Nistlerooy bursting through to give his side the lead.  A quickfire double from Thierry Henry in the opening exchanges changed the outcome of the game, before a free header by Ryan Giggs made things all square again.  Sol Campbell was red-carded in a bitter and sour end to a heavily-fought game.

23.           Liverpool                                                6-2           Tottenham Hotspur                                Saturday 8^th May 1993

With nothing to fight for either side, the shackles were released in this last match of the campaign.  Both had underachieved and looked set for new managers in the forthcoming season.  There were 2 goals apiece for Liverpool legends, John Barnes and Ian Rush.

24.           Nottingham Forest                 1-8           Manchester United                  Saturday 6^th February 1999

For Manchester United, this was a stroll in the park during their treble winning season.  The deadly combination of Andy Cole & Dwight Yorke struck again with two goals apiece, either side of a tidy Alan Rodgers effort for woeful Forest.  Substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came off the bench to round things off, hitting an incredible 4 goals in 18 minutes.  The Norwegian had written himself into the Premiership record books.

25.           Arsenal                                    4-2           Liverpool                                                Friday 9^th April 2004

Having just been dumped out of the FA Cup and Champions League within four days, the Untouchables from Highbury were under pressure and it continued after the first half against a distant Liverpool side.  Sami Hyypia and Michael Owen both scored in the first half to give Gerard Houiller’s outfit the advantage.  Trailing 2-1 at the interlude, it was a major test of Wenger’s side, but the character building challenge was passed with flying colours by Thierry Henry, who scored a memorable hat-trick, including another special solo effort.  The championship and the unbeaten record were back in total command.

 

26.           West Ham United                   1-1           Manchester United                  Sunday 14^th May 1995

Manchester United visited their bogey side, West Ham needing a win to stand any chance of making it three consecutive Premier League titles.  Behind to an early Michael Hughes volley, United piled the pressure on in the second half and an unmarked header by Brian McClair brought United level.  Chance after chance came, but wasteful finishing from Andy Cole and an outstanding goalkeeping display by Ludek Mikolosko thwarted Alex Ferguson’s side of another championship.

27.           Southampton                          3-2           Arsenal                                    Saturday 19^th May 2001

It was a final farewell to The Dell, one of the oldest grounds in the English game and what a finale.  It was fitting, that the last word should come from the Southampton legend, Matt Le Tissier.  He hit a thunderous half-volley past David Seaman deep in stoppage time to send the home supporters into raptures.  They had finished up in the grand manner.

28.           Everton                                   2-4           Manchester United                  Saturday 28^th April 2007

As ever, Manchester United had not making life easy for Sir Alex Ferguson, and had been falling into the Jose Mourinho and Chelsea trap.  They made a disastrous start in a must win game at Goodison Park, trailing to an Alan Stubbs free-kick and a thunderbolt from Manuel Fernandes.  Their reply was the stuff of champions.  John O’Shea nodded in from a corner, Phil Neville kicked the ball into his own net against his former employees then a cool finish from former Blue hero Wayne Rooney turned the game around.  A super strike from Chris Eagles in the dying stages made the result look more comfortable.  Furthermore, Chelsea had been held at home by Bolton and their stranglehold as English champions had been severely loosened by the men from Manchester.

29.           Chelsea                                    4-4           Aston Villa                              Wednesday 26^th December 2007

This Boxing Day clash saw heavy punches literally thrown and a game full of talking points.  Villa held a 2-0 lead, due to an early double from the unsettled Shaun Maloney.  Back came Chelsea, with a brace for the underperforming Andrei Shevchenko and a lovely team goal, finished by Alex.  Martin Laursen pegged Martin O’Neill’s side level again, only for a Michael Ballack free-kick to put Chelsea back infront again.  Amidst all of this, Zat Knight and Ricardo Carvalho had been dismissed by the referee and Ashley Cole followed them for an early shower when he handled on the line in stoppage time.  Gareth Barry converted the spot kick to force a share of the spoils.

30.           Tottenham Hotspur                                4-4           Leicester City                          Sunday 22^nd February 2004

In 2004, Tottenham were in complete disarray, highlighted further by this exciting share of the spoils with fellow comical defending side, Leicester City.  David Pleat’s side were in total control at half-time, 3-1 to the good but goals from old Spurs boy Les Ferdinand, a rare goal for Ben Thatcher and Marcus Bent turned the game on its head.  The Foxes were to be denied three points though, by Jermain Defoe’s 2^nd strike of the game in the final exchanges.  This was a game for the neutrals to remember.

31.           Arsenal                                    3-2           Manchester United                  Sunday 9^th November 1997

On this day, Arsenal began to genuinely realise they were prolific championship contenders, with a thumping critical victory over their deadly rivals.  The deputy for Dennis Bergkamp, Nicholas Anelka flashed in his debut goal for the Gunners and their lead was doubled by countryman, Patrick Vieira.  Never write United at your peril, proven through a double before half-time from ex-Spurs villain, Teddy Sheringham.  With nine minutes to go, a great header from David Platt aided Arsene Wenger to a first triumph in the Premiership over Alex Ferguson.

32.           Tottenham Hotspur                                6-4           Reading                                   Saturday 29^th December 2007

Christmas may have just finished, but both sets of defenders looked like they had stuffed turkey, opening the door for the positive strikers.  Four goals from Dimitar Berbatov and two strikes from Reading’s Dave Kitson were the pick of the front men whilst Jermain Defoe scored his final goal of his first spell at White Hart Lane.

33.           Newcastle United                    4-3           Leicester City                          Sunday 2^nd February 1997

The entertainers of the Premier League in the mid nineties were undoubtedly Newcastle United and they provided more of the same in this supposed home banker.  An early goal from Robbie Elliot settled the pre-game nerves, but three goals from the Foxes in ten rip-roaring minutes by Matt Elliot, Steve Claridge and Emile Heskey stunned St. James Park into silence.  However, if one man could rescue the Magpies, it was skipper Alan Shearer.  A bullet free-kick, a low drive and a simple tap-in in added on time gave Newcastle a morale-boosting triumph.

34.           Liverpool                                                2-1           Blackburn Rovers                   Sunday 14^th May 1995

Victory at Anfield against the former kings of the English game would seal Blackburn’s first championship in 81 years.  Alan Shearer got Rovers off to the perfect start, with a goal after 20 minutes.  Though Liverpool really wanted Manchester United to not win the championship, they were determined to play their part in a dramatic final day.  John Barnes equalised on the hour mark and then a curling free-kick from Jamie Redknapp in injury time put Liverpool infront.  Seconds later, Blackburn fans were cheering as they heard the news that Manchester United had failed to beat West Ham at Upton Park and the Premiership trophy was heading to a new destination of Ewood Park.

35.           Everton                                   2-3           Aston Villa                              Sunday 7^th December 2008

The most likely sides to break into the big four domination of the Premiership played out a pre-Christmas corker.  In-form Villa scored first, through Steve Sidwell in the first minute.  Joleon Lescott replied against the club he was turned down as a trainee.  A communication mix-up between Phil Jagielka and Tim Howard allowed the feisty Ashley Young to restore Villa’s lead.  In a dramatic final minute, Lescott volleyed home a priceless equaliser, before Young cashed in on naïve defending to slot the ball past Howard and claim an unbelievable victory for Martin O’Neill’s side.  No-one will forget this end-to-end showpiece.

36.           Crystal Palace                        2-2           Southampton                          Saturday 7^th May 2005

At Selhurst Park, a dramatic penultimate weekend of the season left the tightest relegation battle in Premiership history totally undecided.  On a see-saw afternoon, the game was deadlocked at 1-1 when a clash involving Peter Crouch and Gonzalo Sorondo saw both men dismissed.  Then, when injury-prone Nicola Ventola converted his first strike for the Eagles, Southampton, were on the brink.  Then in injury time, Danny Higginbotham scored a dramatic leveller and for the first time ever, all three relegation places would only be settled on the last day.

37.           Blackburn Rovers                   3-4           Leeds United                           Sunday 14^th September 1997

For two defensively minded teams, the first 33 minutes were absolutely fabulous as both seem to find attacking football quite attractive on this spring afternoon.  George Graham’s outfit took a 2-0 lead against the early Premier League pacesetters through a bundled effort from Rod Wallace & a charging header by Robert Molenaar.  Ten minutes later, Blackburn levelled the contest up through a super shot by Kevin Gallacher and Chris Sutton’s penalty.  Back came the Yorkshire club, with Wallace scoring again before Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink squared David Hopkin up for what turned out to be the decisive goal.  Martin Dahlin battled hard for his goal moments afterwards and after half-time, the managers had calmed the players down and the second half petered out.  However, this match will be remembered for a stone classical first half.

 38.          Wigan Athletic                        3-2           Arsenal                                    Sunday 19^th April 2010

Arsenal was romping away with the match at the DW stadium and with ten minutes left, led 2-0, courtesy of goals from Theo Walcott and Mikael Silvestre.  Cue an astonishing turnaround from Wigan, which well and truly finished off Arsenal’s title chances.  Ben Watson scrambled in from close range, and then Titus Bramble pounced on a horrible blunder from the inconsistent Gunners goalie, Lukas Fabianski.  With Arsenal on the ropes, Charles N’Zogbia floored them in the dying stages, to complete one of the most amazing comebacks the Premiership has ever seen.  Bedlam at the DW, as Wigan confirmed another season in the top flight.

39.           Middlesbrough                        3-3           Liverpool                                                Saturday 17^th August 1996

The opening day headlines in 1996 were taken deservedly so by David Beckham’s wonder halfway line strike at Selhurst Park, but it overshadowed a Premiership classic in the Teesside sunshine.  Fabrizio Ravanelli made himself loved in the North East with a fabulous hat-trick on his Middlesbrough debut as Bryan Robson’s men battled back three times to earn a draw.  Though entertaining throughout the campaign, it turned out to be a nightmare season for Boro, both on and off the pitch, so this was a major highlight.

40.           Arsenal                                    4-4           Tottenham Hotspur                                Wednesday 29^th October 2008

Tottenham were in the doldrums and only five days earlier, had dismissed Juande Ramos after two points from just eight games.  In came Harry Redknapp and a super point in another North London derby classic was just the tonic that the white half of London needed.  A long-range special from David Bentley had Spurs infront, before shoddy defending left Redknapp’s side 4-2 down to the beautiful Arsenal outfit with one minute to go.  Jermaine Jenas reduced the deficit with a solo effort into the top corner and then seconds later; Manuel Almunia parried a Roman Pavlyuchenko effort into the grasp of Aaron Lennon, who benefited on this misjudgement to hand Tottenham a priceless draw.  The result also showed Arsenal’s frailties again of closing out matches under Arsene Wenger. 

Classic Premiership Matches 81-100

In the past 18 seasons, football fans across the globe have been treated to some cracking Premiership matches.  On the eve of the 19th season beginning tomorrow, here is a look-back at some classics down the years.

81.           Arsenal                                    2-2           Chelsea                                    Sunday 12^th December 2004

This was Jose Mourinho’s biggest test so far and as Sky Sports referred it to as ‘JUDGEMENT DAY.’  If it was a test, his side passed it with flying colours in a blockbuster of a London derby.  Thierry Henry smashed the champions infront after only 90 seconds, but John Terry responded with a wonderful header.  Henry gifted Arsenal back the lead, with a controversial free-kick, but Chelsea showed they were ready to take the crown away from a deadly foe and scrambled back level through Eidur Gudjohnsen early in the 2^nd half.  This was a worthy point for the new Kings of London.

82.           Nottingham Forest                 3-2           QPR                                        Sunday 2^nd October 1994

Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten start to the 1994/95 season remained, after a goal-busting 2^nd half in the Nottingham rain.  After a tepid first half, the game sparked into life with a spectacular 2^nd half, due to a top corner buster by Kingsley Black.  Les Ferdinand, Bryan Roy & substitute Bradley Allen traded goals in the next half hour and it was left to Forest’s golden boy, Stan Collymore to net the winner in the 88^th minute. 

83.           Southampton                          3-2           Charlton Athletic                    Sunday 7^th December 2003

Normally, this type of game has 0-0 written all over it, but with two sides in such decent form, it wasn’t going to happen, especially as it was televised.  Southampton had been cruising at half-time, two goals to the good through Michael Svensson and Brett Ormerod.  Charlton roared back into the contest through their playmaker, Scott Parker with two fantastic strikes, making him a popular name throughout the whole of London.  It wasn’t enough for a point though, as Ormerod hit the winner in the 86^th minute.

84.           Manchester United                  2-3           Derby County                         Saturday 5^th April 1997

Once again, an easy home banker was turned on its head, especially by the leggy Costa Rican forward Paulo Wanchope.  Making his Premiership debut, he took on the whole of the United defence and left the backline dazed at his quite incredible solo effort.  Now that is some way to make your mark in England.

85.           Birmingham City                    2-2           Arsenal                                    Saturday 23^rd February 2008

This game was the utter defining moment in the season for Arsenal, as the young guns collapsed totally in the run-in.  The match is overshadowed for a sickening challenge by Martin Taylor on Eduardo in the first minute.  Eduardo was stretchered off with a double leg fracture and his football career in genuine doubt and quite rightly, Taylor was dismissed.  With Arsenal 2-1 up in the dying stages, Gael Clichy conceded a soft penalty, which James McFadden converted.  Captain William Gallas lost the plot afterwards and had to be controlled by Arsene Wenger; it had been a pivotal lunchtime crunch for the Gunners and showed true weaknesses.

86.           Norwich City                          4-4           Middlesbrough                        Saturday 22^nd January 2005

Trailing 4-1 to Champions League chasing Middlesbrough with just nine minutes to go, the last rites were being written for Nigel Worthington’s side.  However, Dean Ashton sparked a sensational finish with his first goal for the Canaries.  Leon McKenzie’s brave header gave real hope to the home supporters and Carrow Road exploded in joy when Adam Drury completed the remarkable turnaround in stoppage time.  It wasn’t a win, but it must have felt like it.

87.           Manchester City                     2-3           Tottenham Hotspur                                Monday 23^rd December 2002

Two sides managed by former England head coaches put on a pre-Christmas cracker.  Ali Bernarbia’s curling shot was the pick of the goals and Christian Ziege was sent off, but headers through Chris Perry, Simon Davies and Gus Poyet steered Glenn Hoddle’s side to victory in their last visit to Maine Road.

88.           Fulham                                    3-4           Blackburn Rovers                   Monday 12^th April 2004

This vital win sealed in a topsy-turvy game was essential to Graeme Souness’s Blackburn avoiding the dreaded drop.  The winning strike came from Jon Stead on the hour mark and despite two goals by new Cottagers signing, Collins John, he ended up on the losing side.

89.           Newcastle United                    2-6           Manchester United                  Saturday 12^th April 2003

Newcastle’s vague title ambitions were destroyed by a ruthless Manchester United side, determined to get their hands back on the Premiership crown.  Despite a genius strike from Jermaine Jenas to break the deadlock, Newcastle ended up 4-1 down by half-time and 6-1 adrift by the hour mark.  Paul Scholes hit a rare hat-trick and Ruud Van Nistlerooy scored another penalty, equalling a Premiership record for most converted penalties in the season.  In the battle of the knights, Sir Alex held all the top cards over Sir Bobby.

90.           Chelsea                                    2-4           Manchester City                     Saturday 27^th February 2010

This match will be remembered the most for the infamous non-handshake between former pals John Terry and Wayne Bridge.  Terry’s private life had been exposed in the papers, with allegations of him having an affair with Bridge’s former girlfriend.  He lost the England captaincy and at this point, his club form dipped too.  Chelsea had a day to forget, despite Frank Lampard putting them ahead before half-time.  By the time Lampard got his second, from the penalty spot, City had ran riot and gone into a 4-1 lead, courtesy of doubles from Craig Bellamy and Carlos Tevez.  Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti were both sent off, this was a day of misery for the Blues and a joyous result for Wayne Bridge.

91.           Aston Villa                              3-2           Coventry City                         Saturday 5^th May 2001

To preserve their top-flight status, Coventry had to win this match at Villa Park and things were going well at half-time, with two corkers by Youssef Chippo.  Unfortunately for the Sky Blues, they were pegged back in the second half by old boys, George Boateng and Dion Dublin.  The killer was provided by Paul Merson in the closing moments to send Coventry crashing into Division 1.

92.           Manchester City                     3-1           Manchester United                  Saturday 9^th November 2002

The last ever Manchester derby at Maine Road produced a rare success for the Citizens half of Manchester.  A brace from Shaun Goater, culminating in 100 goals for the club gave Kevin Keegan’s side a memorable triumph to look back on forever.

93.           Chelsea                                    4-3           Tottenham Hotspur                                Sunday 27^th February 1994

Two down inside twenty minutes, Chelsea steamed back into the contest through Dennis Wise and a quickfire double from hotshot John Spencer.  Darren Anderton levelled matters in the second half, before a controversial penalty, slotted home by Mark Stein handed the West London outfit an improbable result.

94.           Charlton Athletic                    4-4           West Ham United                   Monday 19^th November 2001

A London derby full of drama thrills and spills.  The forgotten man of the Premiership, Paul Kitson hit an unlikely hat-trick and when Jermain Defoe scored his first ever Premiership goal against his former side, the Hammers were on course for a stunning win, having trailed the Addicks twice.  In injury time, a spectacular overhead kick from the charismatic striker Jonatan Johansson ensured a deserved share of the spoils.

95.           Manchester United                  2-2           Liverpool                                                Sunday 1^st October 1995

This was the day when the King of Old Trafford return.  Red No.7 returned on the grand stage and created a goal for Nicky Butt inside 60 seconds.  Liverpool’s own ace, Robbie Fowler rammed in an equaliser, smashing a Sky camera in the process.  He then took his second goal clinically, punishing Gary Neville for some slack defending.  In the 70^th minute, Ryan Giggs was tripped by Jamie Redknapp and a penalty awarded by David Elleray.  Cantona did the business, sending David James the wrong way, earning United a draw and announcing to the world: ‘I’m back.’

96.           Everton                                   2-3           Chelsea                                    Sunday 17^th December 2006

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea weren’t involved in many pulsating Premiership classics, but this was an exception to that rule.  Missing John Terry through injury, the champions were trailing 2-1 with ten minutes to play on Merseyside.  Step forward Frank Lampard with a classic strike, then Didier Drogba with the goal of the season to record Chelsea a massive win in the race for the title. 

97.           Bradford City                         4-4           Derby County                         Friday 21^st April 2000

This was a Good Friday bonanza between two relegation stragglers.  Derby went 2-0 up inside ten minutes, were trailing 3-2 by the interval and needed two red cards and a couple of cool penalties from skipper Craig Burley to rescue themselves a draw at Valley Parade.

98.           Chelsea                                    2-3           Arsenal                                    Sunday 21^st September 1997

At a new look Stamford Bridge, fans and neutrals were treated to an attacking feast of football from two championship contenders.  Gus Poyet tapped Chelsea into the lead, but two dodgy pieces of defending by Michael Duberry allowed Dennis Bergkamp in to hand the Gunners the lead.  Almost immediately, Gianfranco Zola responded in kind and despite Franck Lebouef seeing red for two bookable offences, the game looked set for a draw.  Then, in the 89^th minute, Nigel Winterburn produced a real rabbit from the hat to stun the Blues into silence.  A key win for Arsene Wenger’s side, this highlighting their push towards a maiden championship.

99.           Arsenal                                    1-3           Newcastle United                    Tuesday 18^th December 2001

November 1997 had been the last time Newcastle had won in the capital before this crunch meeting at Highbury, but they ended the jinx in some style.  Robert Pires gave Arsenal a half-time lead, but Ray Parlour was sent off for two yellow cards.  Andy O’Brien headed home an equaliser early in the second half, before Graham Poll’s second dodgy dismissal saw Craig Bellamy heading for an early shower.  He then should have sent off Sol Campbell with five minutes to go for hauling down Laurent Robert by being last man.  Only a penalty was given, but Newcastle didn’t mind as Alan Shearer banged the ball past Richard Wright.  Robert sealed a famous win for the Magpies in the closing stages, overshadowed by a late Thierry Henry rant that left him with a fine and one-match suspension for violent conduct.

100.         Manchester United                  1-4           Liverpool                                                Saturday 14^th March 2009

Liverpool had to win this game to stand any hope of winning their first championship in nearly two decades and they tore the European champions to shreds in their own backyard.  Things didn’t look good for Rafa Benitez when Pepe Reina fouled Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo blasted the penalty home.  Moment’s later, Fernando Torres capitalised fully on a rare Nemanja Vidic error to level the scores.  When Patrice Evra fouled Torres on the stroke of half-time, Steven Gerrard’s penalty gave the host an unlikely lead.  Vidic was later dismissed and from the resulting free-kick, Fabio Aurelio curled in a beauty to wrap up the outcome.  To add insult to injury, Liverpool misfit Andrea Dossena produced a golden moment by lobbing Edwin Van Der Sar in stoppage time to compound United’s misery and highlight Liverpool’s glee.  The title race was back on.