Dean Richards (1974 - 2011)

I know it's been a week but we must acknowledge the passing of one of our former favourites from the 1990s, Dean Richards, who passed away last Saturday aged 36 after a lengthy battle with illness.

'Deano' initially came to us on loan in March 1995 from Bradford City where he became an instant hit on the field aged 20, so much so that a permanent deal was made later that summer for £1.85m. In those days, that was a big sum for a third tier footballer but he went on to justify the fee and more so. Despite persistent injuries, he built a fine reputation for himself as one of the best young players outside the Premiership, Manchester United and Arsenal took interest but nothing materialised.

Dean Richards: 1974 - 2011

But he make the Premiership after leaving us for Southampton in 1999, where he quickly became a hit there too, and shortly after, the whispers of an England call-up started to begin and a big move to Tottenham followed in 2001 and once more, the fans took to him and the whispers of an England call-up started to become a bit louder but injuries robbed him of the opportunity before retiring in 2005.

But 'Deano' was more than a just fine player, but there have been tributes across local messageboards and forums, mainly from people who had the pleasure of meeting him and not had a bad word to say in his name.

Football has not just lost a great player, but an extremely fine gentleman.