RIP Dean Richards – a man of class and humility
Monday 28th February 2011, 8:56AM GMT.
There are two questions you can ask of any football fan which are almost guaranteed to set him or her off into an overly-enthusiastic prolonged dialogue, writes Wolves blogger Tim Spiers.
A – What are your favourite games of all time? And B – Who would be in your club’s all-time XI?
I could sit and talk about these two subjects all day and probably revisit them far too often than is socially acceptable.
The favourite games list is steadfastly unshakeable, with dates such as May 26 2003 and April 13 2009 – the play-off final and Derby away in the Championship title run – forever etched in the top 10.
It may alter just once a year and I have to say recent wins over Liverpool and Man United are doing their best to edge out games like the 3-1 win over the Baggies from 2001.
As for the Wolves dream team, circa 1991 onwards, well that’s a different matter.
Pairing Steve Bull with Robbie Keane up front is a given more often that not, but the rest of the side alters with more frequency that a Nick Clegg policy pledge.
There’s so much to take into account; what formation to use, who gels best with who down the flanks, who would help nullify the potential opposition?
If it’s Black Country derby then bulldozer Alex Rae is the first name on the team sheet, or if we’re talking about a Champions League final then Steve Froggatt’s enterprising wing-play deserves serious consideration.
But no matter how often my opinion changes one player remains constant in the answer to both questions and it’s an utter tragedy that we can now only refer to this man in the past tense.
I’m talking of course about Dean Richards, whose death at the weekend was as tragic as it was untimely at the age of just 36.
Up until 1995 my experience of central defenders at Molineux was a sheltered one.
Numbers five and six belonged to rugged, no-nonsense, brutish players who took great pride in kicking lumps out of opposition strikers.
Paul Blades, Shane Westley, Peter Shirtliff – these were players who, although effective at what they did, had little desire to play football.
Dean Richards changed all that.
Don’t get me wrong, Richards gave as good as he got when it came to being rough and tough, but there was a wondrous elegance about this gentle giant which opened my eyes to a different breed of footballer.
He first joined Wolves on loan when a catalogue of injuries – something which the man himself would become depressingly familiar with – crippled Graham Taylor’s promotion-chasing squad.
Richards was just 20 at the time but, despite his inexperience and the fact he joined from a Division Two side (Bradford City), he made the step up with consummate ease.
He ticked all the boxes for a good centre half – tall, good in the air, quick, strong, fleet-footed with sound positional sense.
But what classed him as great was the fact that he made it all look so damn easy.
His nonchalance was breathtaking at times. The way in which he would calmly dispossess his opponent before coolly stroking the ball to a team mate was a revelation to my uncultured eyes.
But then there were the occasions that Richards didn’t pass to a gold shirt, those times when he would get Molineux on its feet with a barnstorming foray forward.
In fact he did this quite a lot – forcing the issue, going on a mazy solo run, taking on players he had no right to.
It was as if he had become temporarily possessed, thinking he had the dribbling ability of Maradona, attacking with carefree abandon.
It wasn’t as if he was chancing his arm or doing it for the adulation of the fans – far from it.
This was a humble footballer who, contrary to the ‘me, me’ culture which has sadly engulfed modern football, didn’t crave the limelight.
All those attributes and more rightly earned Richards cult status, with repetitions of “Deano, Deano, Deano” a sound which regularly reverberated around Molineux.
He appeared genuinely grateful for the adulation he received, almost embarrassed, as it he didn’t know what the fuss was about.
His desire and eye for a goal created many special memories during his four years at the club, with a bullet header in a 2-0 win over Albion at Molineux a particular one to savour.
Then there was the time he went in goal against Stoke after we’d used all our subs, or when he scored two goals at the old Baseball Ground in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Derby.
Defensively his man of the match performances were numerous and, although I wasn’t there, I’m told Richards gave a majestic masterclass in our 1-0 League Cup loss at Villa Park in 1996.
Sadly, a terrible car crash and several resulting injuries dampened his upward career trajectory and meant that a player who could have become a regular for his country didn’t move to the Premier League – and only Southampton at that – until he was 25.
But before he departed for the Saints on what at the time was a controversial Bosman transfer Richards gave us one last cherished memory, which brings me back to that favourite games list.
Our play-off hopes under Colin Lee hung by a thread in spring 1999 and a trip to Oakwell to face Barnsley was an important one.
Around half an hour in we were 2-0 down and facing a very bleak afternoon, with Richards having scored an unfortunate own goal.
Neil Emblen pulled one back with a header before half time and midway through the second half we managed to level things up at 2-2 through David Connolly.
Then, with just injury time remaining, Richards nicked the ball off a Barnsley player, made his way into the box and drilled a stonking shot into the far bottom corner for a fabulous late winner.
Cue trademark celebration, complete with goofy grin and lofted arms – the perfect way to atone for his own goal and earn us an outstanding comeback victory.
It took a good long while for me and my dad to depart from Oakwell, singing all the way back to the coach – what a day.
Less than two months later he had departed Molineux, but Richards left an indelible mark on my life, for which I will always be grateful.
It’s very difficult to comprehend that he’s no longer with us, a life so cruelly cut short which will hopefully be marked in a celebrated but tactful manner before our match with Spurs this Sunday.
Yes he could have won trophies and international caps, yes he could have played for Man United or Liverpool and become one of the finest centre halves of his generation.
But in the week of his passing we owe such a gentleman as Richards the good grace to remember what he did achieve in his 36 years.
As supporters of Bradford City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur will attest, that was a considerable amount.
Further still, the mark of any man is not what he achieved, but how he achieved it.
We can take all take comfort in the fact that Dean Richards did it with style, class and humility.
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The true Gentle Giant maybe??
I met him on a couiple of occasions and he was an absoulute gentleman, always had time for his fans, and a Great footballer and a true professional on and off the pitch. The likes of John Terry and Ashley Cole take note, a travesty you represent your country and Deano never got to. RIP Deano!!
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I enjoyed reading the piece and a great tribute to great man and player. I’m a season ticket holder at Bradford and Dean was also in my year at School and unsurprisingy the team captain. I recall one game at Hartlepool when the ball broke to Dean on the right wing after he had been up for a corner. In the blink of an eye he rolled his foot over the ball and swiveled in the air and took out 2 defenders and put a great cross in. I’d never seen a centre half do that at any level. It wasn’t an isolated incedent and he was the most skilful centre half i’ve seen at Bradford.
So sad for someone who had so much more to offer who i grew up with.
RIP Dean, you will be missed.
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I was shocked to read about Dean’s passing, truely shocked. As a player he was immense as a man he was a giant with the heart of a lion. He will be missed by all.
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Great tribute.
I feel like a friend has died and I never knew him.
That’s how much he meant to Wolves fans.
RIP DEANO and its so respectful to read comments from ALL supporters. They do come togather in times of tradegy.
How often will you hear both sets of fans chanting one name in unity?
Tony
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Thankyou,Dean Richards, you will remain in our hearts and minds.
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What a tragedy!!
I completely agree with WolfyTor74 Some of the england players should take note of Dean richards and the humbleness of such a great man and true proffessional!!
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That’s a great and fitting tribute, and I totally agree with WolfyTor74.
RIP Dean
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RIP Dean Richards. Irrespective of which team you played for even that you where a footballer its always sad to hear of a person at such a young age losing their life
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RIP Deano – a true gentleman and a fantastic player to watch during all my visits to the Molineux during his time with the club – such tragic news for such a good guy and I agree that a few of today’s footballers shoudl take a leaf out of his book with their terrible attitudes nowadays! Thank you Deano for all you did for the Wanderers x
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I was at White Hart Lane when he put Sheringham and Chris Armstrong in his back pocket. Arguably his finest hour in a Wolves shirt. It was an FA Cup tie, and a 40-year-old Eric Young was his defensive partner, so he was doing the work of 2 men at times. He was gargantuan. Not only did he contain an England centre forward and an England wannabe centre forward, but he never looked like he was breaking sweat.
The tragedy was he had his car crash after that game and was never the same player again.
Simiilarly at Villa, Dwight Yorke and Tommy Johnson looked shellshocked playing up top against him.
A class act, and will be remembered as that lion hearted, classy defender who put a real shine back into our golden shirts.
God bless you Deano.
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At 36 its just terrible news. What ever the banter between our clubs this just puts it all into persective.
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So tragic,so young,RIP Dean.
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RIP Deano
only the good die young
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An enjoyable read and truly fitting epitaph for a wonderful, very talented player. I also echo the sentiments that all football fans close ranks at times like this, irrespective of club loyalties.
Thanks go to Bradford fan Neil Grainger (post 2)for his anecdote. Appreciated.
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Dean Richards was a fantastic player and obviously a real gent. To have his life cut short is tragic. Out thoughts are with his family at this diificult time, but if its any consolation he will never be forgotten by the Wolves faithful. RIP Deano
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Couldnt believe it when I heard the news.Remember seeing play away at the villa in a cup game and on the way home villa fans were ringing the local radio station saying they ought to sign him up.Great memories thanks Dean
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A very fitting tribute to a Wolves legend, so tragically taken away at such a young age R.I.P Deano. Thanks and respect also to the Albion fans for their kind words.
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A class centre half. If Dean Richards was playing for the current Wolves team, we would comfortably be middle table.
Thanks for the decency shown by supporters of other teams on here!
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RIP Dean
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Excellently put…thanks for reminding me of this great player…a true giant of football in more ways than one.
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Well done South Bank for starting the “Deano” chants on Saturday. It was very moving to hear the applause that went around Molineux as a result.
How fitting that Wolves and Spurs fans will be together next match.
I’ve seen a lot of Wolves central defenders over the years and Dean Richards was up there with the best.
RIP
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All I can say is “There’s only one Deano”
RIP
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Saturday morining when I heard the news I was nearly in tears. Such as tragic loss to the world of football and to Wolves and the other teams he played for.
Fantastic on saturday at the game, fans everywhere singing his name Deano, Deano,Deano
There IS only one Dean Richards!!
RIP Deano
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RIP deano what a suppurb player and to be tacken at a young age all our thoughts go out to his family.
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A year or so before he left the Wolves we met him coming out of the ground, my then 8-9 yr old son was in complete awe of him and Dean spent a good 10-15 mins just chating to him, my son was so shocked that he took the time to just chat he couldn’t remember a thing that Dean said, but he and I have never forgot what a nice down to earth guy he was. A true Wolves legend and sadly missed.
RIP Deano. And thank you for the memorys.
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My highest tribute is, Deano would never have made a clogger. He was a gentleman.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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Has there been a better centre back at Wolves since?? Possible Lescott but cant think of anyone else in his league.
Im proud of the Wolves fans singing his name at the weekend. Gave me goose bumps hearing most the stadium singing Deano. Roll on Sunday for his proper tribute.
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You guys have said it all for me. I don’t need to say anything else other than say RIP Deano and to pas my deepest sympathies to his family relatives and friends.
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RIP DEANO!
Such a fantastic player and one which provided me great memories. I always forget about Barnsley game when people mention there favourite games. It was one the most memorable games ever, thanks in part to DEANO. I’m sure he influenced the younger pros in his times and I believe Lescott learnt a lot from him. Sunday will be very emotional game and I hope we can do him proud, it would be nice to see some ex players from both Wolves and Spurs in attendance to pay tribute to a great man and footballer.
My thoughts are with his friends, wife, children and other family members.
WOULDN’T IT BE A FITTING TRIBUTE IN THE 36TH MINUTE IF THE WHOLE STADIUM SUNG HIS NAME FOR ONE MINUTE?! FOLLOWED BY A ROUND OF APPLAUSE
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Tremendously sad that he is no longer with us. A life cruelly cut short, not dissimilar to his career. Came across as a very nice man, with no heirs and graces and a down to earth perception of himself, unlike most modern day players. My heart goes out to his wife and two children.
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So many moving tributes on here and, echoing Filtonwolf’s words, you have all said it for me. We never forget our legends and we will always remember Deano. Tim’s piece captures our memories superbly and I hope that a copy will find its way to Deans family when the time is right -I think they would appreciate it. R.I.P. Deano.
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Fitting tributes for a class act!
I was stunned to hear the news before the Blackpool game , the performance the lads put in was a fitting tribute.
My fondest memory was watching him from the Holte End in the Villa Cup game (1996 i think), unfortunately I couldn’t cheer ‘Deano’ everytime he dealt with Yorke/Johnson.
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What an excellent blog.
Well done Tim. Fitting tribute to an exceptional talent.
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One of my earliest Wolves heroes and remember fondly the chants of ‘Deano, Deano!’ as a teenager stood on the South Bank. Stylish defender and composed in possession, was gutted when he left…probably my first realisation that footballers come and go, no matter how well liked or talented they may be..
RIP Dean Richards
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A gentleman and a great player for Wolves.WolfyTor74 says it all.R.I.P.Deano.
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R.I.P. DEAN RICHARDS LEGEND.
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RIP Deano and condolences to his family, one of the best players Ive seen at the Moll thanks for the memories.
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This article says it all and is truly excellant – well done Tim – and as I have written on another blog, what a terrible shock on Saturday to hear this news and my sincere condolences go to his family.
Sunday v Spurs – lets do it for Deano and I think 36th minute idea is a good one.
WE ARE WOLVES!!
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36TH MINUTE IDEA IS QUALITY
Yes it’s in caps for people who go to the game to read it amd remember.
Sure the Southbank will start it and hope all 4 stands will join in.
1 minutes of Deno and only 1 Dean Richards, sure Spuds fans will join in,And the then clapping
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Wonderful tributes to one of our own especially from our Albion friends. A pal of mine was at that Villa game and as the coach travelled back to Malvern and Worcester he told me that they had a vote for man of the match. 52 Villa fans all voted for Deano, a rare and fitting tribute to the great man. RIP.
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Wolves fans were brilliant on sat to chant his name off their own back.
A special player and man who played for our special club.
RIP Deano…your were a lovely guy off the field too!!
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One of our best who always turned up.RIP Dean.
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One of our greats who always turned up.RIP big man.
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I saw him in Rosie’s night club in Sutton Coldfield on a Saturday night after we had lost to Blues and Adebola had ripped us apart. He was with Darren Ferguson – who was posing with girls – and he was honest enough to say that he was not very good today and fans would not be too pleased with his performance. My take on that is that it was one of a handful of bad games that you ever had in the famous old gold n black. Secondly, Darren Ferguson is not fit to lace yer boots.
Dean Richards RIP
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I am absolutely chuffed with that blog Tim, excellent and you couldnt have put this great guy into a more perfect perspective than you did. I have cried while reading messages in tribute to him and i say big thankyou to the Bradford fan and Albion fans who also said nice words. I am desperately trying to get my hands on a ticket for Sundays game, as i want to be there with Deano’s adoring fans – to which i am one – to pay my tribute with them…including Spurs fans who i know adored him too. I heard it’s on SKY but i prefer to be there in person given a choice.
When i watched MOTD highlights and wolves started chanting Deanos name and then the applause i shed a tear…thankyou for those who participated…brought a smile on a sad day for me. Deano you wont be forgotten mate.you was a light in our darkness. I feel i lost a mate yet i never met him RIP Dean
AROOM BOOM BOOM EVERYBODY SAY DEANO DEANO!!!
Love da Wolves!!
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Can only repeat what has been said in the above posts and my thoughts go out to his wife and young family at this tragic time.
Respect to the other fans of clubs who have posted.
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deano,s best game for wolves was tottenham away in the cup playin against sheringham and armstrong absolutley awesome performance.rip big man never forgotten.UTW
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what a player so gifted sometimes overlooked when talking about our truely great players, BUT DEANO WAS AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN REST IN PEACE DEANO WE WILL ALL MISS YOU
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I’ve been working all weekend and only just heard this news. Very, very, very sad.
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..following that Dean Richards man of the match performance at White Hart Lane, the Mail on Sundays Patrick Collins (who’s seen the best there is to see in his lifetime)said of the Wolves man..’..when they start talking transfer fees for this lad,they’ll be talking in figures that look like international dialling codes’….a fine player and a tragic loss.
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My son was mascot – in the days when there was only one per game – in April 1995 and his day as a quiet 8 year old boy was made all the more special by Dean Richards talking to him so nicely and so caringly. He was a true gentle giant of a man. RIP Dave & Daryl Sims
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Very sad news, one of the best footballing defenders ever to grace the Molineux!
Thanks too, to all the Baggies fans who have been so respectful above.
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I was at the Villa game in 96 and Deano made Dwight York look like a sunday morning footballer!! I remember him at one point chipping the ball over York,s head and collecting it other side of him. Even the villa fans were clapping!! the best performance from a centre half i have ever seen bar none. RIP Old Gold for ever Deano
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albion fan here.
surely in the light of this awful tradgedy its time for all decent baggies and wolves fans to say to the idiots who marred last sundays day at the end-ENOUGH.
it puts it into perspective when something like this happens to any human being and now is the time for the pondlife to grow up.
deepest condolences to deano,s family and all decent wolves fans.
hope we both stay up.
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What a wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful man.
Deano was my friend and neighbour. Never will you meet such a humble, honest footballer. Never pretentious, almost embarrassed by the adulation he received. He simply loved to play, and had a hunger the younger players would do well to emulate.
But the thing which struck me most was his love of his family. When little R was born he’d be out there with a gleam in his eyes. I was gutted to hear the news; on New Years day we texted and all appeared well – what I now realize, like the trooper he always was, was his positive spirit shining through.
Deano – I can’t believe you’re gone.
You’ll be so sorely missed by me and all at E F.
RIP
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sad shame great player very under rated loss of a great tallent
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SO SAD TO HEAR ABOT DEANO, JUST A GREAT PLAYER AND A TRUE GENTLEMEN, MY DAUGHTER WOULD GO DOWN ON FRIDAYS TO THE ROUND TO SEE THE WOLVES PLAYERS AFTER TRAINING, SHE WAS ONLY 14 BUT DEANO WOULD ALWAYS STOP TO TALK, SIGN AUTOGRAPHS AND HAVE PHOTOS TAKEN.
GOD BLESS YOU DEANO!
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