x

Jewell Pays Tribute to Bradford Team-Mate Richards - Ipswich Town News

Town boss Paul Jewell has paid tribute to his former Bradford City team-mate Dean Richards, who died at the age of 36 on Saturday after a long illness. Jewell played alongside Richards for the Bantams between 1992 and 1995, the central defender subsequently going on to play for Wolves, Southampton, Tottenham and the England U21s.

Jewell told the club site: "The news came as a shock and really knocked me back. He was a terrific lad and it's an absolute tragedy.

"He was the best player I played with at Bradford. He used to cruise through games, a real Rolls Royce.

"I can remember his debut against Bournemouth. He scored and we won 3-1. I said to him 'Don't think it will be this easy for you every week', but it was for him, he was that good.

"He played at the top level, where he deserved to play, and I'm sure he would have played for England if it wasn't for the injuries he had at Spurs.

"He's a massive loss to the game, but more importantly to his family and friends. My thoughts are with them."

What to read next:

U18s Host West Brom in First U18 Premier League Fixture
Town’s U18s will start their first ever U18 Premier League South campaign with a home game against West Bromwich Albion at Playford Road on Saturday 16th August (KO 11am).
Ndaba Completes Lecce Move
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba has completed his move from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock to Serie A Lecce.
McKenna: Hirst Primed For Good Season
Town boss Kieran McKenna believes striker George Hirst is “primed to have a good season” for the Blues, the frontman having netted three times in the Blues’ two public friendlies.
Hirst: Scotland Call-Up Has Made Me a Better Player
Town striker George Hirst says he has taken a lot from being in the Scotland squad and feels the international recognition has made him a better player.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Town 'Willing to Pay Hackney £35,000-a-Week'
Town are reportedly willing to pay Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney £35,000-a-week, TWTD having revealed that the Blues had made an approach for the 23-year-old almost a fortnight ago.
U21s Defeated By Luton
A strong Blues U21s side was beaten 2-1 by Luton Town at Bent Lane in a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon with Tommy Taylor's first-half strike cancelled out after the break by a much-improved Hatters side.
U19s Draw and Lose Final Games at Czech Tournament
Town’s U19s finished lost one and drew one of today’s place play-off matches at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia.
Hirst: Early Confrontation Sign of Morsy's High Standards
George Hirst has revealed he almost came to blows with departed captain Sam Morsy early in his Town career, but believes the incident was illustrative of the high standards maintained by the former Blues skipper.
Former Town Defender Ndaba Set For Serie A
Former Town defender Corrie Ndaba is set to join Serie A Lecce from Scottish Premiership Kilmarnock, according to reports in Italy.