Dean Richards R.I.P

[DarrenLeTiss]

Sad news coming through that former Saints legend Dean Richards has passed away. RIP Dean.

http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~2302899,00.html

[Smirking_Saint]

Really ?? WTF ?

He must have been still quite young was he ill ?

[Griffo]

Jesus. RIP.

[positivepete]

Sad news coming through that former Saints legend Dean Richards has passed away. RIP Dean.

Nothing on the Bradford City site yet, he recently gave an interview talking about his coaching there

http://www.oleolefootball.com/Football-dean_richards_loving_coaching-125.htm

[Saint Stimp]

Terrible news, RIP Dean.

[SaintNeil90]

I believe he had cancer? No official news but twitter feeds all saying he has passed away. Did very well for us.

[chrisobee]

I think he was 36 ? Still waiting for official news but it is all over Twitter. He did retire due to ill health I believe. Very sad news if true.

[Papa Shango]

Incredibly sad news, Deano was one of the best defenders I've seen in my time supporting Saints. Brilliant during Hoddle's reign. RIP big man :(

[CWD]

Horrendous news if true. One of my favourite players in his day. RIP and thoughts with his family

[um pahars]

Player of the season in his first full one if IIRC.

Only here for under two years, but made a real impression during his short stay.

Tragic news for someone so young.

RIP

[SuperMikey]

Hope this is a mistake, Deano was a great player for us and I was gutted to hear he had to retire (didn't he have a small brain tumour or something?). If he's gone, RIP.

[chocco boxo]

Nothing on BBC? Hopefully false alarm.

[sandwichsaint]

Shocking news if true(?), top top player for us and without his illness he would have been at the very top for years.

[gaz]

http://www.claretandbanter.com/showthread.php/30030-Dean-Richards

http://bcafc.livewwware.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=60662&sid=58575b89844395bdc12714df29b2ae1d

Nothing confirming it, but it is on the BC forums.

[chrisobee]

Absolutely horrible waiting but still not confirmed, surely by now it would be ?

[saint lard]

Sincerely hope this is unfounded.

Bloody marvellous player in his time with us.

[dune]

Tragic news, but it still brings a smile to my face knowing how much we got off Spurs for him.

[S-Clarke]

No age to go. Too young.

Will always be held in high regard by all saints fans. Top bloke, top player.

[LeBenali]

Now official :(

http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~2302899,00.html

[Jimmy_D]

36 is no age at all :(

RIP

[thornhill_saints]

http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~2302899,00.html

[chocco boxo]

RIP. fantastic player such a shame he had so much ill health. Enjoyed watching him in a Saints shirt.

[SuperMikey]

F*ck, RIP big man. One of the players that really caught my eye when I started watching Saints, very talented but unlucky to have such a promising career cut short by such a sh!tty illness that's now cut his life short...

RIP

[Deppo]

Rest in Peace, Deano. Too young.

[Minsk]

R.i.p.

[sainthomer]

Rest in peace Deano. Great player in the Red and White, sadly missed.
R.I.P

[saint lard]

This news has definately tempered my spirits today.
Tragic news.
R.I.P. Big fella.
You thoroughly entertained me with your great displays in a saints shirt.
Way too young to go.
Thankyou Dean Richards.

[alpine_saint]

WTF ? Jesus. RIP.

[englishoaks]

very sad, one of my fav players in the mid 90's.. did great for us; thoughts with his family at this awful time

[positivepete]

Very sad, RIP Dean a gentleman as player, and a person

[smithy]

How very sad, no age to die. RIP Dean.

[St Chalet]

Very sad news. 36 is no age.

RIP Dean

[Suhari]

RIP big guy.

Loved watching you in a Saints shirt; loved giving you stick when you were in a Spurs shirt too!

Proper defender: big, strong, brave.

No age at all. Thoughts go out to your family.

[Saf...]

Rubbish news. Rip, so sad

[georgeweahscousin]

R.I.P Dean.

Probably my favourite ever Saints defender.

[Shanghai Saints]

RIP Dean. Quality footballer and always came across as a very nice guy too.

[Yate Saint]

Such sad news. Great defender for us. RIP Dean Richards.

[OldNick]

what a terrible bit of news
RIP

[Gorgiesaint]

Very sad news, an extremely talented defender whose career was cut short by injury & illness, tragic to pass away at 36

RIP

[Gigersaint]

RIP Dean, sad news.

[Poshie72]

RIP Dean

One of the best defenders that played in red and white

36 is no age

[jam]

Now on BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9408254.stm

Sad, sad news. Excellent defender for us who scored a few important goals as well. I think his arrival and partnership with Claus was the start of us having a more dependable defence and I was gutted when he decided to follow Hoddle to Spuds.

He seemed a really honest player as well, the sort that fans can really take to.

RIP.

[Dearne Valley Saint]

Rest in peace Dean and thanks

[Whitey]

RIP Dean. Quality Player for us.

[adysaint]

Horrible, sad news.

Loved his last minute header v Sunderland in a 2-2 draw, the winner at Aston Villa,
and his (deflected) winner in the epic 4-3 League cup game with Man City.

News might have come too late for this afternoon, but I hope the club will mark the occasion with maybe a minutes applause. And a good old chant of "DEANO!! DEANO!!!" From The Northam.

[beardy]

Very sad news.
R.I.P.

[Crab Lungs]

RIP Dean, you were an awesome footballer and an awesome guy.

[Saintjersey]

RIP very sad news, he was an awesome defender for us and it's a shame that somebody so young has died.

[SuperSAINT]

RIP Dean.

Fantastic player for us.

[PaulSaint]

Shocking news, 36 is too young!

One of the best Defenders I ever saw in a Saints Shirt :(

RIP Dean, hope we do a minutes Silence later?

[JackFrost]

Tragic news, RIP Dean.

He was mis-diagnosed with an inner ear infection when he actually had cancer and had to give up the game because of it.

Only 36 though, what sad news.

I sincerely hope there is a tribute in the Saints game, he was one of our best defenders of the time.

I believe he still is 2nd only to Curits Davies in the biggest transfer fee paid for an uncapped player?

[saintpat]

RIP Dean. Really shocking and sad news. So young. Really good defender.

[silversaint]

RIP Deano, one of my Saints heroes.

[Hatch]

Crikey, 36 is nothing.

RIP.

Great player for us.

[Crazy Diamond]

Absolutely terrible. You never know, had his health been better he could have been in charge of Bradford today. Very sad, thoughts are with his family and friends.

[so22saint]

RIP Deano

[simo]

Always the good die young ! RIP

[Victor]

An excellent CH, steady, brave and a good reader of the game. Condolences to his family.

Don't hold your breath for a tribute from Saints - it is some years BC since he left.

[St Marco]

R.I.P Deano, one of the best defenders to put on the red and white shirt for sure!

[Winnersaint]

R.I.P Very sad. A great player for us.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Gutted. He was one of the good ones.

[Saint woody]

R.I.P Deano and condolences to you family.

[bpsaint]

Awful news,36 is no age at all. Dean was a class above from 99-01 and was by far one of my favourite players, would rank him along side Killer in terms of ability,would love to have seen them play together. Thoughts to his friends and family.

[SO16_Saint]

minutes silence today?

[BLINK]

great player and a good leader, should have got an England call up, was upset when he left but we got £8million whereas when he joined us Wloves got nothing. In the end we found a replacement who was just as good, Paul Williams...... or perhaps Svensson

[kchkwong]

Shocking news.

RIP Deano.

[Lazlo78]

R.I.P Dean. You were a rock in the Saints defense!

[adriansfc]

Sing his name today boys.

Rip deano :-(

[SaintChrispy]

Far too young, thoughts are for his family. Rip Deano

[Mr_Red]

RIP Deano. Great defender for us, a shame he didn't make it for England. Will always remember his spurs debut - it was going so well until half time!!!

[Gator]

RIP Deano. You were a very big cog in a very slick machine at Saints. A truly great Saints defender. Condolences to your family.

[La BoIS Saint]

Would be great for a minutes silence today to show some respect. Sad news.

[martyg1950]

Tragic, was immense for us as remembered by many here already. My thoughts and completely inadequate condolences to his family and friends.

[Gator]

Would be great for a minutes silence today to show some respect. Sad news.

Not even a mention on the website, Argghh!!!

[SW17James]

Usually a lurker here, but this one's drawn me out of the shadows -- which says something in itself.

What terrible news. Condolences to all who knew him.

It's a cliche I know, but it really puts things in perspective.

[brightspark]

RIP Deano, "the best defender in the world" during my primary school days!!!! So sad to think this is the first player I remember watching on a regular basis to pass away.

[SOTONS EAST SIDE]

Sad,Sad news . A very good player for us . R.I.P Dean Richards! Condolences to his family!! :(

[thefunkygibbons]

Sad news

[Pancake]

Wow, terrible news. Loved him when he was here, gutted when he jumped to join GH at Supds. RIP fela.

[Plumstead_Saint]

Very sad news.
RIP Dean.

[paulwantsapint]

Just imagine the back line we could have had of killer & deano with claus as sweeper with bridge and dodd as wing backs

Sing his name loud & proud in SMS today

[Verbal]

Horrible news. And sad to hear about the misdiagnosis. Time is precious with this disease.

[Leicestersaint]

Very sad news. RIP Deano.

[Miltonaggro]

RIP Deano, you were great for us, and should have played for England...

[bender]

Met him in 2000. Top bloke.

http://www.benayling.freeserve.co.uk/pictures/meanddean.jpg

[tpbury]

All of the above. Weird career for him. If I didn't think he was a decent bloke I wouldn't post, but I think he was, as evidenced by his honest approach to the job. I remember feeling confident about the defence with you in it Dean!

[Saint Without a Halo]

RIP Deanno you were always a rock and will be missed!

[sir woody]

So sorry to hear of Dean Richards passing. A lovely man, with the heart of a lion.
You will be sadly missed by everyone who knew you.
R.I.P Deano

[SNSUN]

Wow that one's come out of the blue. RIP Dean. My thoughts go out to his family.

A very good centre back, and a great signing on a free transfer. Brought out the best in Claus. Not having a player of his, or the injured Killer's, quality in the back four ultimately contributed to our relegation from the Premiership. I never blamed him for leaving, we got a good price for him, and it's a shame injuries ended his playing career.

Shocker.

[Starkers]

So nice tributes on the Wolves, Spurs and Bradford website, but nowt on ours. Poor.

[NorthamSaint]

R.I.P. Deano

[DrZuess1979 the 2nd]

wrong thread

Sorry

RIP DEAno

[Kingsbridge Saint]

Very sad news. Was a great player at Saints and left a big hole when he went to Spurs. RIP Deano.

[RobM]

Desperately sad news and a awfully young age to go. One of my favourite players for Saints for a long while.

RIP Deano.

[westmidlandsaint]

Very sad news indeed, was a rock in his short spell here was absolutely gutted when he left. RIP Deano

[Teabag]

The first Saints game I ever attended was a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He was brilliant that day, despite scoring an own goal. He was a giant at the back for us, he will be missed. RIP.

[skintsaint]

RIP...quality defender for us and 36 is way too young to go.

[Huntingdon]

Terrible news, RIP Deano

Absolutely disgusted that there's nothing on our website - Bradford, Wolves and Spurs all have nice tributes, but not even a mention of the guy on ours

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

Tragic news. He should still be playing.

In my 30+ years of supporting Saints he was in the top three defenders. Goal against Ipsich springs to mind. RIP.

[Judge_B]

Very sad. When he was good, he was brilliant. RIP Dean Richards

[Bushey Saint]

Desperately sad news - terrific player for us in the Hoddle years and to die at 36 is just awful, no age at all.

RIP and sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

[Deano6]

Dean Richards, number 6. One of my absolute favourite footballers of all time. Such a dominant force at the back, terrific in the air.

So sad to die so young.


RIP

[Dalek2003]

Dean Richards was brought into steady the defence. Did a brilliant job and was one of the reasons for our relative success in the late 90's.

My sympathies are extended to his family and friends. Great player and ambassador.

Gone but never forgotten.

[DaveyR]

Great defender for us and way too young to go. RIP Dean

[OttawaSaint]

RIP Dean, absolutely gutted by this news. Amazing player, utterly gifted, his positioning, movement and ability to track the ball in dangerous situations was excellent when he played for us. Very sad day.

[L]

Gutted and shocked to hear of Deano's passing. I always felt he should have got a look in for England when he was at his peak for us.

I'm staggered too that the official site has no mention.

[Crab Lungs]

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2303019,00.html

Could use a bit more detail, though I'm sure more will be added after todays game...

[doughnutman]

RIP to a quality defender and one of the best i've seen in Red and White.

Missed the start of the commentary today, did we have a minutes silence for him?

[Cabrone]

What a shock, along with Killer Deano was the best CH we've had over the last 20 years.

RIP Deano.

[Barney Trubble]

Tragic news indeed, he was in the top tier of defenders we've had at the club, sheer class; a rock indeed.

I used to love the way he came urging out of defence with the ball, then drop the shoulder with those big strides he took.

Didn't he get player of the year once?

RIP Dean.

[scotty]

Sad news indeed, rest in peace Dean.

[tobes8]

a fantastic centre half. RIP Rean

[tobes8]

a fantastic centre half. RIP Rean

Dean..sorry

[warsash saint]

Tragic news....one the best defenders I have seen in Red & White....RIP

[JustMike]

RIP Deano, thoughts are with the family

[rshephard3]

In my lifetime a saints centre half has never made me feel so confident of controlling good good players. A super player and a great professional, never forgotten Deano.

[Nexstar]

Terrible for somebody to die so young.

RIP

[Toomer]

Very sad a young man taken to early.

[um pahars]

Met him in 2000. Top bloke.

http://www.benayling.freeserve.co.uk/pictures/meanddean.jpg

Ayia Napa, June 2000????

Spent a bit of time with all the Saints lads out there that summer (Beattie, Hassan, Davies, Monk etc) and Richards was always the life and soul of the party.

He was the surrogate dad of that group of players at that time and well respected. Top bloke.

[Nick75Sfc]

RIP DEANO. (Absolutely Stunned)

[maxi_sopez]

Very sad news, great player. Glad the website has finally put up a tribute, was there a minutes silence, if not should be very soon

[Saints foreva]

I was wondering why his name was being chanted today, terrible news.

RIP.

[Toadhall Saint]

There for the grace of god and all that - bit stunned TBH - RIP Dean.

[alpine_saint]

I was wondering why his name was being chanted today, terrible news.

RIP.

Was it ? That's pretty decent of the fans. Wouldnt have expected the news to have travelled fast enough.

[Saintandy666]

RIP, a really good defender whose career was sadly cut short :(

[Under Weststand]

I was shocked when I heard the news this afternoon he was a belting player for Saints & it is really sad when someone so young dies. RIP big man & condolences to his family.

[Saint137]

Marked by a chorus of "There's only one Dean Richards" from the back of 42 today. I guess most in the ground hadn't heard. Hope we'll mark it with a minute's applause against Yeovil.

He was a giant for us, exuded calm confidence, and I was gutted to see him go to Spurs. Sadly we had his best years probably.

For those who didn't see him play he was similar to Fonte, completely in command and could play a bit if he needed to. Scored some bullet headers in his time, he was immense in the air.

[Islander]

Terribly sad. RIP and condolences to his family.

[Twentytwentvision]

I logged onto the website expecting a happy website after today's win and I have just read this awful news.

Terrible news, condolences to his family....

[hoozonside10]

RIP Dean Richards. This has obviously taken the gloss of todays win - a fantastic defender who I have always thought that, had he stayed with us, could have gone on to being an England regular.

[Iowsaintsfan]

R.I.P Deano

[tommi]

RIP Deano - an absolute mountain for us during his all too brief spell. Condolences to his family and friends. 36 is way too youg to die.

[revolution saint]

Marked by a chorus of "There's only one Dean Richards" from the back of 42 today. I guess most in the ground hadn't heard. Hope we'll mark it with a minute's applause against Yeovil.

He was a giant for us, exuded calm confidence, and I was gutted to see him go to Spurs. Sadly we had his best years probably.

For those who didn't see him play he was similar to Fonte, completely in command and could play a bit if he needed to. Scored some bullet headers in his time, he was immense in the air.

I heard the chant but had no idea why it was being sung. Tragic news - so sad. RIP Deano.

[hasper57saint]

So,so sad. RIP Deano. You were one of my favourite Saints.

[bender]

Ayia Napa, June 2000????

Spent a bit of time with all the Saints lads out there that summer (Beattie, Hassan, Davies, Monk etc) and Richards was always the life and soul of the party.

He was the surrogate dad of that group of players at that time and well respected. Top bloke.

Spot on!! In that pic, Monk is to the left and Hassan is just left and above of Deano's shoulder. They were all OK but I felt JBT was a bit arogant, and Kevin Davies is perhaps not 100% hetrosexual.

[RedAndWhite91]

Thoughts with his family, no age to go. RIP.

[Whitey Grandad]

RIP Deano, gone after only half a lifetime and with so much to offer. You will be in our thoughts and my condolences to your family.

[VectisSaint]

Just back from the game, very sad news. Never heard anything at the ground (was in the Itchen/Northam corner) or on the radio on the way back , perhaps this is why everything seemed rather subdued.

[Dimond Geezer]

Terrible news. Far too young.

Rip Deano

[70's Mike]

Terrible news

[alehouseboys]

Very sad news.

Terrific player.

RIP Deano.

[aintforever]

No age for someone to die.

What a fantastic player he was for us.

RIP Deano.

[saintedwill]

Best defender who never got to pull on an England shirt and one of my all time favourite Saints. RIP Deano

[Kingsland Red]

RIP Big Man.
One of the best.

[Micky]

Great player, good bloke, always totally committed.

RIP Deano.

[davefoggy]

Great player, such happy memories of Deano in our side

RIP

[BJBSAINTS]

RIP Deano

Great player for us and a good lad to boot, will always be remembered as a top Saints defender.

[Docker Walker6]

One of the best defenders to wear the Red and White RIP Deano!

[ladysaint]

RIP Deano, a great bloke, remember presenting him with a Man of the Match award at the old Dell Club and he was so pleased to receive it from the fans. Another Saint in heaven x

[Legod Third Coming]

I can remember being sat in with the Astoon Villa fans at Villa Park when Deano scored in the 89th minute. Had to bite my tongue and it was all I could do not to run down onto the pitch and plant a kiss on his big shiny forehead.

Tragic, tragic news. RIP Big fella.

And lads and lasses, please live today like it's your last, because sadly for someone it will be.

[Honk Kong Phooey]

Built his reputation with saints, was a joy to watch. So sad to hear he's been taken so young. Best wishes to his family. RIP

[Dog]

RIP Deano

LEGEND!

[saintjay77]

RIP Deano. Will be missed by many.

[Badvoc]

My sincere condolences to Dean's family. A life take so young is a tragedy. Grateful thanks for the good memories though; you will be remembered by the Saints.

[John Cool]

Deano was a Saints player I very much admired, his untimely death is so sad. R.I.P.

[Ivan Katalinic's 'tache]

R.I.P. Deano. Such sad news. Great player for us, even if he did get a bit of stick for following Hoddle to Spuds.

[HedgeEnder]

RIP Deano......

[CrickladeSaint]

RIP Dean. Tragic for one so young. Awesome in a Saints shirt, shame it was so short!

[Gordon Mockles]

I hadn't known this so a huge, sad shock. He was fantastic for us, both on the pitch & the finances from his transfer. Really sad news, knowing cancer all too well. RIP big man. Thoughts with his loved ones.

[SaintSparky]

So sad to hear the news, condolences to his family and loved ones.
RIP Deano.

[Edward Tattsyrup]

Very, very sad. All thoughts with Deano's family. R.I.P.

[corky morris]

RIP Deano. One of the best if not the best free transfer we ever had & an excellent centre half...........

[suewhistle]

For those of us of a certain age it is always a shock when a sportsman you've watched in the prime of their days dies before you. So Dean I remember you. Stevie Mills too. Hard...

[stknowle]

What a tragedy. Always remember him as the man who finally brought some solidity to our traditionally porous defence. Doesn't matter who you are, if your number's up it's up. RIP big man.

[fanimal]

Always remember his headed winner at the Villa, thumper! RIP Deano!

[SarniaSaint]

Very Sad news, RIP

[sfc1971]

it is so sad when you hear of anyone younger than you passed away.
I wish his family and friends all the best and thank the big fella for his two seasons at the Saints.
Deano you were one of the best a true gentleman and have left me with some bloody good memorys sleep well mate, our Ted and Markus will be there to welcome you and watch the saints march on to the top.

Love and respect to a gentle Giant. :cry::cry:

[Dr Who?]

R.I.P Big man, such sad news!

[bpsaint]

Always remember his headed winner at the Villa, thumper! RIP Deano!

My first ever away game that, always thought highly of him since then. I'll get some videos of Deano uploaded to youtube in the next few days.

[theyin]

RIP Dean and best wishes to your family.

Way too young to go

[Chap in the Chapel]

Desperately sad news. If I had to pick an eleven of the best Saints players I've seen in the flesh in getting on for 24 years watching Saints, he'd be there alongside Michael Svensson at centre back. I honestly can't remember him having a poor game for us and he must be the best free transfer Southampton FC has ever had. I had it announced in a nightclub that he'd scored the winner for us in an FA Cup 3rd round tie against Ipswich, and I'll have a cigar for him as I did that night. Well played Deano - you were taken too early. RIP.

[CitySaint]

Puts it all in perspective, terrible news. Thought a minutes silence today would've gone down well, the original Deano once a saint always a sent, wherever you are now.

[LVSaint]

Very sad.

[ericofarabia]

As said through out this thread - was was one of the all time best defenders to play for us.

An absolute rock in the heart of defence. Remember seeing him in his first few games and wondering how we managed to get him in on a free ahead of the big boys.

RIP Deano.

[lordswoodsaints]

Tragic news,one of the nicest fellas in football,he was superb under hoddle.
dying at such a young age is an absolute tragedy.
Rip deano

[Ziggy]

Awful news. A total shock. Best wishes to his family. RIP Deano.

[sussexsaint]

Sad sad news, RIP. Thoughts are with the family

[broncoboy]

I was in corporate hospitality and we had lost.

He was declared man of the match and and been sent to say hello.

You could tell he was gutted they had lost.

He was brilliant

No age at all

[benjii]

Very sad indeed. He was, as most have said, excellent for us. A guaranteed starter whenever fit. Fast, strong, good in the air, good on the deck. Best wishes to all his friends and family.

I'm quite glad there was no minute's silence yesterday as it's clear that most people at the ground, or at least a sizeable proportion hadn't heard the news and I think it would have been very strange.

[Greedyfly]

Horrible news. RIP Deano

[dronskisaint]

Heard the sad news when the lads behind me in Block 37 said Dean Richards had died...think they got it from a sports site update on a phone.

A classy, committed player for us - would love for him to have stayed but the money we got was outstanding in that era.

Was good to hear and join in with the 'Only one Dean Richards' chant...I'm sure the club will honour his memory at a future match but yesterday was too soon.

My thoughts, condolences & respects to his family

[Saint dyer]

was chuffed to bits at the espanyol game in 2001 when i was a little lad, saw him stood by the players tunnel before the game on his own and managed to get his autograph, my first ever autograph. great player. so sad. RIP X

[half time pie]

Very sad day ...... RIP Dean

[The Sholing Shadow]

My condolences to Dean's family. RIP.

[waterlooville saint]

RIP Deano. Sad and tragic news.

[Appy]

Used to love watching him play.


Was a real rock at the back.

Very Sad News.

[The Cat]

Brilliant player for us, very cruel that he should die at such a young age.

RIP Deano.

[lambertsrightleg]

R.I.P Deano. The best centre half never to be capped

[solentstars]

r.i.p deano and condolences to Dean's family,sad news indeed.

[surrey1saint]

Very sad,RIP Dean.

[SamyCM]

R.I.P Deano, will be missed, taken too young.

[Saint IOW]

Such a shame what a player for saints R.I.P Deano

[Petersfield Saint]

RIP Deano; very sad news

[Ricky Redstripe]

Condolences to Deanos family. He was a great player for us and was very sad when he left. RIP Deano.

[Stu Man Do]

RIP Deano, excellent player for us should have had international recognition! No age at all :-(

[IFHP]

Yes RIP Dean. Such a young age too. Tragic.

[Redbul]

RIP Deano. The boy done good for us.

Condolences to his family.

[Special K]

I loved watching him play for us, always gave everything. Tragic news, 36 is no age to go. RIP Deano.

[Placey]

Scary news. Heard about it yesterday. He was fantastic for us. RIP Dean.

[Foxstone]

One of the best central defenders in the country during his pomp, and he was wearing a Saints shirt during that time.

His time at Saints was all too short but that pales into insignificance when it transpires that his life was all too short aswell.

RIP big man and sincerest condolences to all his family and friends too.

[keithd]

In my list of unsung/under-rated players on a thread here recently. Comfortable on the ball, good in the air and worthy of his big price tag when sold to Tottenham. Taken far too young, RIP big man

[rolosfc]

One of my favourite defenders we have had in my lifetime. Awfully sad news for him to be taken at that age.

RIP Deano.

[Nutwood2]

Great player. A very sad loss. RIP Deano

[notnowcato]

Very sad news.

[St.JonB]

Could he be one of our best signings ever? To get him on a free was an amazing bit of business. A brilliant defender. Very sad news and my thoughts are with his family. RIP.

[100%Red&White]

"Deano, Deano"

Very sad. RIP.

[Wilko]

A great player for us. Does anybody know what caused the mystery illness?

[Scoobysaint]

A fantastic defender and great leader. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Deano.

[CB Fry]

Could he be one of our best signings ever? To get him on a free was an amazing bit of business. A brilliant defender. Very sad news and my thoughts are with his family. RIP.


One of several iconic Saints players brought to the club by Dave Jones. That man has the best record of acquisitions of any Saints manager in my conscious Saints supporting memory (Nicholl onwards).

Richards was just class and this was really sad news. In another era, ie these days, he'd be an England squad fixture.

Wolves v Spurs at the weekend is a fortunate fixture for a nice send off, but I hope Saints do their bit. His Saints career was him at his absolute peak and that ought to be recognised.

[Legod Third Coming]

One of several iconic Saints players brought to the club by Dave Jones. That man has the best record of acquisitions of any Saints manager in my conscious Saints supporting memory (Nicholl onwards).

Richards was just class and this was really sad news. In another era, ie these days, he'd be an England squad fixture.

Wolves v Spurs at the weekend is a fortunate fixture for a nice send off, but I hope Saints do their bit. His Saints career was him at his absolute peak and that ought to be recognised.

Amen to that brother.

[Dark Sotonic Mills]

A great player for us. Does anybody know what caused the mystery illness?

If I remember correctly, when he moved to Spuds he had a problem with dizziness and balance, which they at first attributed to a problem with his ears. I think that it later proved to be more of a neurological illness, unfortunately. I guess this is what the problem was. As for the exact problem, sorry, I don't know. In any case, 36 is too early. Thanks Deano, and goodnight.

[Ian the Red]

Very sad, too young..... an excellent player for Saints, played with pride, passion, spirit and desire. RIP Deano Deano

[Fan The Flames]

Very sad news, a great player for us and I was gutted when Spurs came back for him. Disliked Hoddle even more after that. I do recall he was diagnosed with something whilst at Spurs. RIP Dean.

[SanFranciscoSaint]

Very sad news. A proper hard defender with that extra bit skill to elevate him above most others. RIP Deano.

[sammysaint]

Great Player for us shame he moved, shame he died at a young age as well leaving a family.
seems as so he was coaching could of become a top coach as well.
Rip deano

[Saints Warrior]

Great player..RIP

[East Leake Saint]

RIP Deano. You weren't with us long, but you will always be a true Saint.

Sleep well big man, say hello to Bobby and Ossie.

[Bakovnetski]

Incredibly sad news. Fondly remembered by all Saints fans as a real defensive talent. RIP indeed Dean.

[St Chalet]

Will move this to the Golden Threads section of the forum so the tributes will always be on a front page.

[alpine_saint]

I see the funeral took place today, and that James Beattie went along. Looks pretty cut up in the pictures as well.

[Saint137]

Good article in the Guardian featuring MLT's view of him: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2011/mar/04/dean-richards-molineux

[Dalek2003]

Yes, very very sad. A good player in an era when Saints were constantly the underdog and punched above their weight.
Making me go all misty eyed.
Thanks Dean and RIP.

[bpsaint]

As promised I have started uploading some videos of Deano scoring for us,the first one is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZMBSBi5gXU

Keep an eye on my channel for more soon.

[VectisSaint]

Anyone know who represented Saints at Molyneux this afternoon? Apparently as well as Wolves and Spuds, Saints and Bradford sent reps to the game for a tribute beforehand. Nice touch. Read a nice bit from Chris Kamara as well.

[beatlesaint]

Anyone know who represented Saints at Molyneux this afternoon? Apparently as well as Wolves and Spuds, Saints and Bradford sent reps to the game for a tribute beforehand. Nice touch. Read a nice bit from Chris Kamara as well.

Its tomorrow's live Sky game at 4pm so hopefully we will see then.

[Saint Garrett]

Isnt the game tomorrow ?

[VectisSaint]

Its tomorrow's live Sky game at 4pm so hopefully we will see then.
Just testing , I knew that really :blush:

[Turkish]

Nice tribute on Sky Sports now for Deano, before the Wolves v Spurs game. Beattie welling up when talking about it. RIP Deano.

[Legod Third Coming]

Nice tribute on Sky Sports now for Deano, before the Wolves v Spurs game. RIP Deano.

Amen.

[scott_saints]

Just seen that. Few tears from Beattie there.

[Appy]

Emotional stuff.

Beattie looked Devestated.

[bpsaint]

Nice little tribute that,poor Deano.

[dannysfc]

Yeh am also watching and it brought back memories of when he was at Saints and he was a Legend in my eyes and God Bless and RIP Deano Mate :(!
Am gutted that you have gone and will be sorely missed!
"Deano Deano"!!!
COYR :D!!

[RonManager]

Very emotional, hope we give him a big call out on Tuesday.

RIP mate.

[Appy]

I assume there will be something from us before the game on Tuesday?

[VectisSaint]

Just testing , I knew that really :blush:
Claus, Dave Jones & James Beattie to answer my question. Good stuff, top bloke Deano

[beatlesaint]

I know he gets a bit of stick on here but Beatts seems a really decent bloke.
probably grown up a bit from his younger, wilder days down here.

Lovely tribute to Deano that, RIP big man.

[bpsaint]

I know he gets a bit of stick on here but Beatts seems a really decent bloke.
probably grown up a bit from his younger, wilder days down here.

Lovely tribute to Deano that, RIP big man.

Baffled by some of the stick at times, everytime I met him he was very friendly and a nice guy. Beatts lost his father just a couple of weeks ago, so can imagine the pain of losing a best friend, also a father of two young boys, is incredibly hard to take.

[Saint137]

Beatts and him were very close, Deano spent a lot of time looking out for the younger players and discouraging them from getting in trouble. Partly because that was the sort of bloke he was, but also because he had that car accident early in his career and I think he realised how fragile a footballing career could be. Looked like he was doing more of the same as youth coach @ Bradford. As the saying goes, only the good die young. Class response from Wolves & Spurs today, and if there isn't an official tribute on Tuesday lets make sure we hold one ourselves.

[NickG]

has it been made public what caused his death?

[Pedro]

I saw cancer mentioned and that he spent his last weeks in a hospice. RIP Deano.

[70's Mike]

Not in my nature to praise other clubs BUT i thought Wolves were superb in their tribute to Dean , not many clubs invite or include other clubs a player has played for in a tribute

[shurlock]

Not in my nature to praise other clubs BUT i thought Wolves were superb in their tribute to Dean , not many clubs invite or include other clubs a player has played for in a tribute

Totally agree - they did a brilliant job at making it a very inclusive and selfless remembrance.

[PaulSaint]

And a shout out for Sky, they get a lot of stick at times but that montage of Deano clips set against that haunting Eva Cassidy song (Fields of Glory) was very emotional.

RIP Dean.

[Legod Third Coming]

Not in my nature to praise other clubs BUT i thought Wolves were superb in their tribute to Dean , not many clubs invite or include other clubs a player has played for in a tribute

Spot on. Great to see.

[St Chalet]

Just seen the highlights on MOTD2. Very sad to see, two young boys who will grow up without the most important man in their lives.

Well done to Wolves and their fans for a fitting tribute.

[Baldsaint]

I haven't seen this posted on here yet, sorry if it has. From Saints Twitter feed;

"Dean Richards Tribute Shirt Available. Proceeds raised donated to St. Gemma's Hospice in Leeds. Full story -> http://bit.ly/h3XYY8 #saintsfc"

Current bid for the Saints shirt £65.

[EBS1980]

Currently £206. Would be good if our shirt raises the most for the charity. Currently the spurs shirt is the highest.

[Golden Balls]

And a shout out for Sky, they get a lot of stick at times but that montage of Deano clips set against that haunting Eva Cassidy song (Fields of Glory) was very emotional.

RIP Dean.

Is this online anywhere. I missed it.

RIP

[Saints foreva]

Is this online anywhere. I missed it.

RIP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn4aoMPFxK0