Source: Northern_Echo
Staunton full of praise for assistant manager
STEVE STAUNTON has hailed the influence of his right-hand man Kevin Richardson for continuing to lift spirits on the Darlington training pitch.[LNB] The Quakers manager admits that amid the team's current dismal run it would have been understandable if the squad's practice sessions had become gloomy affairs. But when Staunton persuaded his former Aston Villa team-mate to become his number two at Darlington he was recruiting a man whose will-to-win and leadership skills he had experienced at close hand.[LNB] Richardson was captain at Villa where he led the club to runners-up spot in the inaugural Premier League and victory in the League Cup final over Manchester United 15 years ago. When Staunton persuaded him to join him at The Northern Echo Arena he knew that he was securing the services of a character who would stick with him through thick and thin.[LNB] Maybe one of the reasons behind training being so good is Kevin, noted Staunton who is keeping his fingers crossed that Saturday's home encounter with Port Vale does not become their fourth consecutive game to fall victim to the weather conditions.[LNB] With results going the way they have you could have expected that heads would have been down on the training pitch. But it hasn't been like that at all, the lads have been upbeat and worked very hard.[LNB] And Kevin plays a massive part in that.[LNB] He always comes into work with a smile on his face and the lads can learn so much from him. He was my captain at Villa so I knew what kind of a character he was.[LNB] He is someone I trust and know that he will be a complete professional in everything he does.[LNB] The game at Rotherham, postponed on Boxing Day, has been re-arranged for Tuesday January 19 (7.45pm kick-off).[LNB] A new date for the Lincoln City match, postponed on Monday, is yet to be arranged.[LNB] Supporters are reminded that the West Stand at the Arena will be closed on Saturday so that the club can concentrate on the main stand being made safe for fans.[LNB] Tickets for Saturday's game are available from the ticket office at the Arena or the Cornmill and from the ticket office on the day of the game.[LNB] Or call 0871 855 1883.[LNB]
