Former Bradford, Wolves, Southampton and Spurs central defender Dean Richards has died aged 36.
Defender dies aged 36 after long-term battle with serious illness
Former Bradford, Wolves, Southampton and Tottenham central defender Dean Richards has died aged 36.
The powerful defender died on Saturday morning following a long-term battle with serious illness.
He began his career with his home-town club Bradford before moving to Wolves in a £1.85 million switch in 1995 and then moved onto Southampton in 1999 to play in the Premier League.
He subsequently followed his Saints boss Glenn Hoddle to Spurs in 2001 in an £8.1million switch before retiring in March 2005 aged 30 after suffering from dizzy spells and headaches while at White Hart Lane.
He then returned to the Bantams in 2007 on a part-time basis to coach the club's youth players.
Truly devastated
A statement on the
Bradford website said: "The football club are truly devastated to hear of the death of former Bradford City fans' favourite Dean Richards."
Wolves also extended their condolences and announced a tribute will be paid to the defender ahead of next Sunday's game with his former club Spurs.
A statement on the club's
official website said: "Remembered for his trademark skilful breaks out of defence as well as his ability in the air, Richards, who won four England Under 21 caps, will always be fondly remembered by Wolves fans who continued to follow his career closely when he moved on to Southampton and Tottenham."
Richards scored on his Spurs debut against Manchester United at White Hart Lane and went on to play 81 games for the club, notching four goals
A statement on the
Spurs website said: "Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur was saddened to hear of the death of our former player.
Sincere condolences
"We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Dean Richards at this very sad time."
Southampton also paid tribute on their
official website, saying: "Dean was a whole-hearted and popular player with fans and colleagues alike, who made 78 appearances during his spell with Saints between 1999 and 2001.
"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
