Dean Richards dies

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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.

FA Cup 5th Round Review - More Gripping Drama

This blog was first published on February 15th at http://happydude88.livejournal.com/

Records were broken, the unexpected stirred and games were breathless to keep up with it, the 2010 FA Cup is turning into one of the best of recent years, and 5th round weekend failed to disappoint those hardcore fans. Sure, there weren’t any giant-killing upsets, but the efforts of many were impressive, even if the scoreline went against them, even flattered the opposition.

Cup holders Chelsea remain firmly on course to successfully defend their trophy at Wembley on May 13th. Championship play-off contenders Cardiff City gave the Blues a run for their money in the first half, but crumbled in the second forty-five as Ancelotti’s side coasted into the quarter-finals with consummate ease. Didier Drogba has carried on the form he was showing before he left for Africa, Danny Sturridge continued his record of scoring in each round so far and with a side minus Petr Cech, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, then the remaining sides must fear the men from the Kings Road.

West London rivals Fulham also made it through, with League Two side Notts County, recently bought for £1, putting up very little resistance against the Cottagers. Fulham are certainly dark horses for this competition, injuries are clearing up slowly and in Bobby Zamora, they have a striker in the form of his life. It might be too late for South Africa, but Fabio Capello must keep his eye on Zamora as an alternative to the bumbling Emile Heskey.

Heskey disappointed again at Crystal Palace, and so did his Aston Villa team-mates, as Neil Warnock’s side came within three minutes of causing a stunning upset at Selhurst Park. In a classic cup-tie, Palace took the lead twice; including a stunning free-kick from Newcastle reject Darren Ambrose, finally showing his true potential. It had to take a gutsy header from Villa captain Stilian Petrov to take the tie back to Villa Park. Martin O’Neill will know his young chargers were in a game and with the replay now due for four days before the Carling Cup final, it could be seen now to the boss as a major inconvenience.

Another cash-strapped club made it through into the last eight, as Portsmouth overcame a brave Southampton in the South Coast derby. Saints had their chances, but failed to take them and when Pompey got theirs, they showed their Premiership class, despite being rock-bottom of the division and fighting a battle to stay in business. A final scoreline of 4-1 did flatter them though, considering there were two goals in stoppage time as Alan Pardew’s League One side pressed for a leveller.

Reading’s Jimmy Kebe broke a record, for the quickest FA Cup goal ever. It took him just seven seconds to find the net against West Brom. However, Roberto di Matteo’s Baggies gritted out a 2-2 draw, despite being down to ten men and trailing twice. It is a missed opportunity for Reading, and they may well struggle now in the Hawthorns rematch.

Both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur earned unwelcome replays, as they battle it out for 4th place in the Premiership. City’s multi-millionaires looked weak and lacked passion on Saturday night, Stoke with the Rory Delap weapon fully deserving their second crack at the whip, despite a devastating medial ligament injury to Matthew Etherington. Tottenham outclassed Bolton in the second half of their encounter at the Reebok, but wasted chances again and Tom Huddlestone’s failure from the penalty spot highlighted this face well and truly. They will be disappointed not to get the job done, and need goals fast if their season doesn’t want to end up disintegrating.

Birmingham City also progressed. They worked hard for their narrow 2-1 win at Derby County. A last-minute winner from Liam Ridgewell was lucky, but sometimes, you need luck to progress and Alex McLeish’s side will fancy their chances now to bring silverware back to the Midlands.

With four replays required, the sixth round draw still is incomplete and messy, but the prospect of West Brom v Aston Villa, Fulham v Tottenham and Chelsea v Manchester City would whet anyone’s appetite. The FA Cup continues to provide its old romance and great stories, but the men from Stamford Bridge are looking increasingly tough to beat.