For many years Richard was the cornerstone of the Oldham defence, playing under manager Joe Royle. Richard was signed by Leeds for £1 million from Oldham in October 1995, but missed the majority of the season due to injury. 1996-97 proved yet another frustrating season for him, despite playing 13 consecutive games at the start. The number proved unlucky, as yet another knee injury forced him out for the rest of the campaign. Richard never fit into George Graham's plans for the Premiership tilt, and was released on a free transfer to Manchester City in March 1998 to cover for the injured Murtaz Shelia. But the injury plague was not over yet, and a knee injury kept him out for all of the 1998/99 season. Before the 1999 season Richard was again fit for fight and it was time for his indian summer. Injuries to first Morrison and then Wiekens gave the experienced centre back his chance, and he took it well, impressive in the air and solid on the ground, his first 5 games were all wins. When Royle gets all of his defenders fit again he will have difficulties choosing between them, which of cource is every managers dream ;-) Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no |