Tributes paid to former footballer

Tributes to ex-Premiership player

Former Spurs and Wolves defender Dean Richards has died after a long-term battle with a serious illness

Former Tottenham and Wolves defender Dean Richards has died after a long-term illness, it was has been announced. He was 36.

Richards, who also played for Bradford and Southampton, was forced to retire from the game in March 2005 after suffering from dizzy spells and headaches while at White Hart Lane.

A statement on the Wolves website read: “Everyone at Wolves was saddened to hear of the death of Dean Richards, who passed away this morning at the age of 36 after a long-term battle with serious illness.”

The statement continued: “Wolves would like to take this opportunity to send their condolences to the former Molineux defender’s family and friends.”

The Black Country club announced they were planning a tribute to Richards ahead of next Sunday’s game with Spurs at Molineux.

Bradford-born Richards started his career with his hometown club where he made more than 80 appearances.

The club said on www.bradfordcity.co.uk: “The club are truly devastated to hear of the death of former Bradford City fans’ favourite Dean Richards.”

A statement on the Tottenham website read: “Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur was saddened to hear of the death of our former player Dean Richards, who passed away this morning at the age of 36 after a long-term battle with serious illness.”

It continued: “There will be a tribute paid to the defender ahead of our fixture next Sunday at Molineux against his former club Wolves.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Dean Richards at this very sad time.”