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Clubs pay tribute to former top footballer

Clubs pay tribute to former top footballer

A number of leading football clubs have paid tribute to their former player Dean Richards who has died. He was 36.

Mr. Richards was forced to retire from the game in 2005 after experiencing dizzy spells while playing for Tottenham.

The defender had started his career with his local club Bradford City and made 102 appearances for the side before moving to Wolves.

After Wolves he moved to Southampton before being bought for £8.1m by Spurs in 2001.

During his spells at the four clubs he had become a firm favourite of the fans.

His skills were also recognised nationally. He made four appearances for the England U-21 side.

After being forced into retirement, Mr. Richards returned to Bradford City where he was appointed as youth team coach. He held the post until ill-health finally prevented him from carrying-on.

Tributes have been paid to him by all the clubs he was linked to.

In a statement Wolves said: “He will be remembered for his trademark skillful breaks out of defence as well as his ability in the air. Dean will always be fondly remembered by Wolves fans.”

Bradford City chairman Mark Lawn added his voice to tributes.

He said: “Dean Richards was the sort of man that anybody would want at their football club. On the pitch he was a hard-working player who gave everything to the club, off the pitch he was a very humble, intelligent human being.

“The world will be worse off without him.”

 

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