Source: Daily_Mail
Football pays its final respects to ex-Spurs, Wolves, Southampton and Bradford star Dean Richards
Premier League stars joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral of former Wolves and Tottenham defender Dean Richards today.[LNB]Richards, who was forced to retire from the game in 2005 following illness, died last weekend aged 36.[LNB]Today, Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane and on-loan Blackpool forward James Beattie joined friends, family and former colleagues for the funeral at Bradford Cathedral, Richards' home city in West Yorkshire.[LNB] Final journey: Richards' coffin is carried for his funeral at Bradford Cathedral, Bradford[LNB] [LNB] Sad day: Robbie Keane - who played with Dean Richards and Wolves - and ex-Southampton team-mate James Beattie arrive at Bradford Cathedral [LNB] Touching: A family tribute to Dean Richards [LNB] Mourning: Ex-Bradford player and manager Chris Kamara paid tribute to Dean Richards [LNB]Wolves veteran Steve Bull and former Bradford City manager Chris Kamara also attended today's service.[LNB]The former central defender is fondly remembered at Wolves, where he moved after impressing with Bradford.[LNB]He went on to play for Southampton and Tottenham, who paid ?8.1 million for his services.[LNB]Richards was forced to retire from the game after suffering from dizzy spells and headaches - an illness which was initially diagnosed as an inner ear infection.[LNB]Former colleagues and friends paid tribute to Richards today.[LNB]Chris Kamara said: 'Deano was a giant. He played with elegance and composure and was a joy to watch. He was a star player with a Rolls-Royce engine.[LNB]Final club: Dean Richards ended his career at Tottenham in 2005[LNB]'In the football community we're all stunned. You can't get your head round it. He was someone who brought joy to everyone and, if you knew him, played with him or worked with him, you knew what a character he was.'[LNB]Mark Lawn, Bradford City joint-chairman, said 'He was a nice guy and very down-to-earth.[LNB]'Players now would be a lot better men if they took a leaf out of his book.[LNB]'I first knew him as a fan. When he got the ball there was an intake of breath because you knew he'd create something.[LNB]'He came back in 2007 to coach the youth players, but I don't think we paid him. That was a mark of the man - he just wanted to give something back.'[LNB]Wolves fans chanted Richards' name during their home match against Blackpool last Saturday following the announcement of his death.[LNB]Richards moved from Bradford to Wolves in 1995, making 145 appearances in a four-year spell and becoming a Molineux favourite.[LNB]He subsequently moved on to Southampton, who were then in the top flight, where he spent two years before switching to White Hart Lane.[LNB]Richards spent four years in north London although his time there was dogged by injury.He made almost 350 appearances in a career spanning 13 years before his retirement.[LNB]He later gained his coaching badges and returned to Bradford four years ago as part of the youth set-up.[LNB] Jamie Redknapp: Farewell Deano, it was good to know you Tottenham and Wolves lead tributes to former defender Richards Exhibit G: Now Google Street View lets you tour the world's finest museums from the comfort of your armchairAll the latest Premier League team news for March 5-7The Firing Line: Rob's job is under scrutiny... Latics' lack of goals could cost Martinez Who will beat the drop and who's heading down? Sportsmail predicts the great Premier League relegation battleAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinionAll the latest Wolves news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: James Beattie, Robbie Keane Places: London, Republic of Ireland
