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      I was Premier League club’s record scorer, then I went into local Government and formed a turf company

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      JOHN RICHARDS has been front page news in Wolverhampton again this week after being awarded the freedom of the city.The former striker was rewarded for his outstanding contributions to Wolves, supporting ex-players and his charity work.    Wolves legend John Richards was awarded the freedom of the cityCredit: GettyRichards spent 14 years at Wolves and became their record scorer with 194 goalsCredit: Getty – ContributorWhen it comes to club legends, there are few greater than the man fans call ‘King John’ at Molineux.Richards spent 14 years at Wolves between 1969 and 1983 and became their record goalscorer with 194 until fellow forward Steve Bull passed his mark in 1992.He was the club’s leading scorer in eight out of nine seasons between 1972 and 1981, helped them to two League Cup wins — even scoring the Wembley winner in the 1974 final against Manchester City.After packing away his boots and going into local government in 1985, he returned to the club in 1995 during the Jack Hayward era, first as a non-executive director and then as the club’s managing director.Read More on FootballLast year he was named Wolves’ third vice-president alongside Bull and Robert Plant following the death of Ron Flowers.In his pomp, Richards was a match for any striker in English football.He was a ‘fox in the box’ with speed and pace but with an intelligence and sharp instinct of always being in the right place at the right time.Now 74, Richards takes a deep breath and says: “It’s 56 years ago when I first joined Wolves. Man was just walking on the moon in 1969 when I signed a contract here. There’s been a few steps taken since then!Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives“I am honoured to be back at the club as vice-president. It means the world to me.”Richards is also chairman of the Wolves Former Players Association, another role he talks about with great passion.Wolves boss Vitor Pereira reveals his difficulties with Mario Lemina He added: “It gives me the opportunity to be part of a group of players from different eras, who have become lifelong friends and, beyond that, an extended family for me.”For one of the most gifted scorers of his generation, it is baffling that Richards only ever played at Wembley twice in his 16-year career and won just one England cap.He said: “For me, playing at Wembley meant everything. In my era, so few games were played at the national stadium. There were a lot of wonderful players of my generation who never played there.“I consider myself very lucky that my two games at Wembley were both finals and we won them both.“Last year we had a reunion to mark the 50th anniversary of that 1974 League Cup victory against Manchester City, winning 2-1. I was grateful to score the winning goal with five minutes remaining.“It was a joy to share it with so many supporters, who wanted to tell me their stories of celebrating after the game and not getting back home until the Monday!How it started“In the end I was more absorbed by their anecdotes than what we did on the pitch.“Against Nottingham Forest six years later, we always found them tough to beat but to win it I still get goosebumps  reliving that day.“As for England, I played a few times at different levels but only had one senior cap. I never quite took the opportunity.”As a teenager, Richards was spotted playing for Lancashire Grammar School against a team who had a Wolves scout among their staff.He said: “He asked me if I was assigned to any club and offered me a trial. I went along and from there I was offered a one-year contract, moving up from the third team and then reserves before the first team in just over a year.”Richards made his debut for the black and gold at West Brom in February  1970.Successful debutHe recalled: “Derek Dougan was injured but I didn’t know until the Friday that I would be playing. I was so wet behind the ears I didn’t even know where West Bromwich was, let alone the rivalry between the  sides.“I soon found out as it was quite hostile. I thought I played okay, it was a 3-3 draw and I thought we were unlucky not to win.“I scored my opening first-team goal a year later against  Huddersfield. It wasn’t the best shot  but it went in and is one of those unforgettable moments.“That Wolves side in the early to mid seventies was exceptional and I was lucky to play with so many  talented players.”After 14 years he moved on loan to Derby in 1982 and then joined Portugal’s Maritimo for two seasons.He said: “I moved because at that time I wasn’t getting any minutes. Derby were struggling when I joined but I’m pleased to say they stayed up.“Playing abroad in Portugal was another great opportunity.”Despite scoring 23 league goals in 44 games for Maritimo, Richards and his family headed back to England in 1985, with his eldest daughter due to move into secondary school.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe became Wolves’ managing director in 1997, then from 2001  formed Pitchcare — a sports turf service provider — with Wolves groundsman Dave Saltman.They sold the business to Agro-vista UK in 2020 and Richards added: “It had been a richly rewarding 18 years. I think Dave felt it was the right time to step down and I felt exactly the same.” More

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      I called Sir Alex Ferguson for advice when we won promotion to the Premier League… I’ll never forget what he said

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson issued some life-altering advice to former Premier League manager Tony Pulis after he led Stoke to promotion.Pulis, 67, took the Potters to the top flight in 2008 and called his Man Utd counterpart Ferguson, 83, to have a conversation that changed the Prem for the following five years.Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson shared life-altering advice for Tony PulisCredit: GettyPulis had a chat with Ferguson after leading Stoke to Premier League promotionCredit: GettyPulis turned Stoke into a mainstay in the Prem thanks to Ferguson’s adviceCredit: GettyThe Welshman sought Fergie’s advice and the legendary Scot simply told him to turn the bet365 Stadium – then Britannia Stadium – into a fortress for Stoke and a nightmare for the opposition.Pulis did just that as he added some muscle within his squad and set up the pitch in a way that would make even the biggest Premier League clubs fret a cold rainy night in Stoke.That saw the Potters turning into a mainstay in the Prem with the ex-Crystal Palace boss building a reputation as a manager who never gets relegated until his departure in 2013.Pulis said back in March: “When we got promoted at Stoke, I called Sir Alex Ferguson up. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He told me: ‘Your best chance is making the Britannia a place no one wants to go.”‘If any of the top teams go there and praise you, you’re not doing it right.”‘The bottom line is football is about winning and if you don’t win football matches you aren’t going to be in the job very long’.“I never forgot what he said, and as a result we narrowed the pitch in, grew the grass and brought Rory Delap into play. Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusives”We found a way to win and it worked.”I don’t think I’ve ever been at a football stadium where the crowd and team were so together.”We used to play the top teams and the place used to light up.” More

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      ‘Best for the team’ – Ruben Amorim gives blunt explanation on Marcus Rashford absence as Man Utd outcast seeks transfer

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      RUBEN AMORIM has offered a blunt explanation for why Marcus Rashford continues to sit on the sidelines.Rashford, 27, has not featured in Manchester United’s last nine matches in all competitions.Ruben Amorim was asked about Marcus Rashford in his post-match press conferenceRashford, 27, has not featured in more than a monthCredit: ReutersFollowing today’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton, Amorim was asked if he felt “disappointed or let down” that Rashford was not there to “help the team”.After the Portuguese initially said “no” he was further pressed, given that he has previously stated that Rashford was being left out for training reasons.Amorim, 39, clapped and took a breath, before answering: “Guys. It is his choice [not to play].”I don’t want to focus on this bad moment because in the games we lost, Rashford is not here.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I don’t want to put this moment on Rashford.”Rashford is out of this moment because he is not playing.”No matter what, I am not going to put out a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”Rashford has not featured since Man Utd’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYHe has since made the bench just once, and was left as an unused sub during the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle.The forward scored twice in Amorim’s first Premier League game in charge at Old Trafford, during a 4-0 win over Everton.Which football clubs could Marcus Rashford join?After being left out of the Manchester derby, Rashford revealed in an interview that he is ready for a “new challenge”.The forward has drawn interest from the likes of AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund this month.But it will be difficult for Man Utd to agree a deal, given that Rashford’s weekly salary exceeds £300,000.Closer to home, Tottenham are believed to be considering a loan swoop.Amorim meanwhile hinted that he needs to bring some players in himself – branding his side the “worst Man United team in history”. More

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      Sky Sports brutally troll Ed Sheeran with his own song lyric as musician looks miserable during Ipswich thrashing

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      ED SHEERAN was brutally trolled as he watched Ipswich suffer a thrashing against Manchester City.The pop star is a lifelong Tractor Boy and acquired a minority stake in the club last summer.Ed Sheeran watched on glumly as Ipswich were thrashed 6-0Man City ran riot at Portman RoadCredit: RexHe is a regular at Portman Road and looked glum as he watched Pep Guardiola’s side run amock in a 6-0 win.Sheeran, 33, was trolled by Sky Sports with his side 4-0 down just after half-time.A photo of the singer was shared on social media alongside a caption which mocked one of his lyrics.It read: “Loving (football) can hurt sometimes! 🎶”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSheeran was in a much different mood ahead of kick-off as he bumped into Jack Grealish in the car park outside the ground.He hugged the England star before shaking hands with Manuel Akanji and Erling Haaland. A double from Phil Foden and goals from Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku made for a disappointing afternoon for Sheeran.And things got even worse for Ipswich as Haaland and James McAtee rounded off a resounding win.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSheeran first became involved with his boyhood club when he sponsored the shirts for the 2021-22 season.That agreement has remained in place ever since, with the singer also owning 1.4 per cent of the club.Ed Sheeran downs drink and gives Ally Pally crowd the middle finger after Ipswich taunt at PDC World Darts Championship Ipswich are in danger of being relegated as they remain in the bottom three after defeat to City.Kieran McKenna’s side are level on points with Wolves in 17th but their goal difference stands at -23 after taking a big hit. More

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      Ipswich 0 Man City 6: Pep Guardiola’s side back to their best as champions ruthlessly demolish naive Tractor Boys

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      SO MUCH has been said about Erling Haaland’s unswerving commitment with a ten-year contract at Manchester City.The visiting fans at Portman Road even sang loudly about it as their celebrated striker rolled home his first goal since signing a monstrous contract that runs until 2035.Erling Haaland celebrated his lucrative new deal with a goalCredit: APPhil Foden is back in form and scored twiceCredit: PAIt was an afternoon to forget for IpswichCredit: GettyYet the undoubtedly talented Norwegian is a relative newcomer compared to Phil Foden, who has already clocked up twice that length of service and exhibited yet again why he is such a key player.Smaller in stature than 6ft5 Haaland and like everyone else he has to live in his team-mate’s shadow.Both men were subbed at the same time with the score at 5-0 and the job done just after the hour mark. The City supporters sang Haaland’s name but not Foden’s as they both trotted off.But in a game that pitted men against Tractor Boys at Portman Road, it was lil’ Phil who started the engine with two goals in the first half and the assist for another which had the result wrapped up inside a 15-minute blitz.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFoden is 24 now and joined City aged four. Nobody at the club knows better than him when to dig in and get them out of a sticky patch.He put his side two up at Brentford last Tuesday, only to see his defence blow it at the death and chuck two points away.But he was bang up for it again on a freezing afternoon in Suffolk when Pep Guardiola’s team took its time warming up.Haaland was put clean through after 15 minutes but tamely hit a half-hearted shot that Town keeper Christian Walton patted away easily. Mateo Kovacic blasted over a minute later.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt was then that Foden in combination with Jeremny Doku took control and did the business with devastating effect to seal the win by the break, paving the way for the exhibition stuff afterwards.First came a weighted switch pass from right to left with Doku finding Kevin De Bruyne running into the box.Erling Haaland talks about his contract extension at Man City to 2034 Foden arrived in the area and took a touch from De Bruyne’s pass and casually rolled home the opening goal.Again down Town’s left, Doku caused mischief, finding Foden on the edge of the area. He in turn fed Kovacic who this time showed a more clinical side and scored with a drilled shot.Ipswich’s gutsy game nature is one of their big assets in a tough season for them in the Premier League. Awareness clearly isn’t one of their strengths.For a third time, Doku, Foden and De Bruyne rampaged around the box with Foden openly calling for the ball with nobody from the home team taking a blind bit of notice before he hit number three in a similar fashion to his first.There is delight in the City camp at Haaland’s loyalty to City when the future off the pitch is uncertain and on it their title defence looks lost. There is also concern that the squad has been allowed to grow old.New signings are coming in with striker Omar Mamoush and defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis on their way. But none were in the matchday squad.So to see two young ‘uns in Foden,24, and Doku, 22, put on a show, allowed the supposed OAPs in Guardiola’s squad to take a breather.Doku earned the reward for his ingenuity and industry in the first half by scoring four minutes into the second half.Any ideas Ipswich had of regrouping after a half-time cuppa were firmly squashed as the winger again zeroed in on goal from the left, turned Ben Godfrey then hit a shot that did take a deflection off Dara O’Shea to wrong foot Walton.But by then it was containment at best for poor Ipswich.Always up against it here, this sort of collapse may well have serious collateral damage for the important weeks to come if they want to even engage in a survival battle.Boss Kieran McKenna has to get his message across better, because on 57 minutes Haaland was fed from the left again and simply chipped over Walton for number five before coming off a few moments later.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola was allowed the luxury of taking off his top striker and best player with almost half an hour to go, presumably to rest them for the Champions League game against Paris St.Germain on Wednesday.Salford’s James McAtee headed in number six to complete the perfect day for City which started with applause for the late Denis Law – a legend for rivals Manchester United who played for the Sky Blues twice during his career. More

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      Man Utd’s miserable season drops to new low as they set unwanted record for first time in 131 years

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have lost six of their opening 12 leagues games in a season for the first time since the 1893-94 campaign.The Red Devils were beaten 3-1 by Brighton on home turf to continue their dreadful Old Trafford run.Manchester United endured their latest home humblingCredit: ReutersRuben Amorim has failed to turn around United’s awful formCredit: GettyGoals by Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter condemned United’s home faithful to yet another disappointing afternoon.The Red Devils had already lost home league games to Liverpool, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle.United last lost more than six of their opening 12 home league games in 1893-94 – when they were beaten seven times.Boss Ruben Amorim has managed to earn just 11 points from his opening 11 league matches in charge of the Red Devils.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing his side’s 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle earlier this month, the Portuguese admitted that relegation was a “possibility”.And after today’s latest setback, he claimed that they are being the “worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United”.He said: “In 10 games in the Premier League, we won two.”Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me. So we are getting a new coach that is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY”Like I said, I’m not going to change, no matter what. I know we can succeed, but we need to survive this moment. Because I’m not naive and I know that we need to survive now.”We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.Luke Littler parades World Darts Championship trophy at Old Trafford weeks after Man Utd superfan won £500,000 prize”I know that you want headlines, but I’m saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go, your headlines.”Man Utd are 13th in the Premier League table with just 26 points from 22 games.Bruno Fernandes’ spot kick was the only shot on target they managed to muster during today’s loss.Marcus Rashford remains frozen out by Amorim.Asked again about the England international, his boss said: “I am not going to put a player I don’t believe is the best for the team.”United will be back in action this Thursday, when they host Rangers in the Europa League.The Red Devils have not managed to make Old Trafford a fortressCredit: Reuters More

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      Ruben Amorim admits ‘we are the worst team in the HISTORY of Man Utd’ and tells fans they ‘have to suffer’

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      RUBEN AMORIM believes he is in charge of the “worst Manchester United team in history”.The 39-year-old warned fans to expect more suffering after United endured a fourth defeat in five Premier League home games.Ruben Amorim believes he is currently in charge of the worst Manchester United team in historyCredit: GettyUnited hit a new low after losing 3-1 to BrightonCredit: ReutersUnited had one shot on targetCredit: GettyAnd some fans believe Andre Onana is the “worst Man Utd keeper in history” after his shocking blunder sealed Brighton’s comfortable 3-1 win on a day that United paid tribute to legend Denis Law.Amorim was given another gut-punch on Sunday after goals from Yankuba Minteh, Kauro Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.The new Old Trafford boss said: “We are being the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United.“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and change that. So there you go, your headline.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“In ten games in the Premier League we won two, I know that. Imagine this for a fan of Manchester United, imagine this for me.“You are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. Imagine that. We need to survive this moment. I know that.”United’s record at home this season is the club’s worst in the league in 131 years.They have not lost six games at Old Trafford in 12 opening league appearances since the 1893-94 season, when they lost seven.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAmorim’s side are 13th in the table after 22 matches and sit closer to the relegation zone (10 points) than they do the top four (12).The Portuguese manager has tried to implement the 3-4-3 formation which worked so well for him at Sporting.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old TraffordAnd he insisted he will not change his approach after United registered one shot on target during Brighton’s easy win.Amorim added: “With me, it is clear I’m not going to change the way I see the game. I’m very clear on that. “The players are going to suffer, I’m sorry, the fans are going to suffer. “I have one way of doing things, I know it’s going to bring results. But we have to suffer these moments. I think it’s very clear for everybody what we are going to do.”United have picked up 11 points from his first 11 games in charge, but Amorim believes the club has to “stick together”.It’s a hard moment, we are really underperformingAmorimHe added: “It is hard to explain, we have to acknowledge the moment and not go around the problem.“Everybody here is underperforming, no matter what the circumstances. “It is unacceptable to lose so many games for any club in the Premier League, never mind Manchester United. It is a really hard moment but we have to continue.“The opponents are better than us in many details. That we cannot be consistent. That I am not helping my players in the moment.“It is a hard moment. We have to acknowledge we are in a very difficult situation. All the bad records, losing games at home, losing in the Premier League, we are really underperforming.”Brighton had won five of their last six Premier League meetings with United prior to Sunday’s clash.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey have now extended that record to six wins from seven dating back to May 2022.Amorim’s comments come just weeks after Gary Neville called his former club the “worst team in the country.”Man Utd ratings vs BrightonBy Ken LawrenceANDRE ONANA 4 – No chance with either of the Seagulls’ first two goals. But an awful howler to gift them their third.MATTHIJS DE LIGT 5 – Certainly doesn’t look like he likes players running at him as Kaoru Mitoma constantly did. Looked unsure of himself throughout.HARRY MAGUIRE 6 – The one member of United’s three-man central defence who looked like he knew what he was doing. Beginning to believe in himself again.LENY YORO 5 – The £52M youngster is still settling into the Premier League to be fair to him. But he is certainly taking his time about it.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI 4 – Has been one of the few consistent successes of Ruben Amorim’s tactical revolution. Yet he had a real shocker this time around.MANUEL UGARTE 5 – Supposedly “tired” in the 3 – 1 win over Southampton the midfielder looked brighter here. Yet he still doesn’t look that switched-onKOBBIE MAINOO 4 – Where is last season’s Kobbie? Looks nothing like the buzzing homegrown midfielder who burst on the scene last season.DIOGO DALOT 5 – Did his duties as a left wing-back to the best of his abilities. Another United player, however, who looked nothing like sharp enough.AMAD DIALLO 7 – Thursday night’s 12-minute treble hero on a high again – unlike, again, so many team-mates. Sometimes his footwork is just dazzling.BRUNO FERNANDES 6 – Ultra-cool from the spot but that goal didn’t do much to raise his performance level. Had one of those days where nothing really clicked.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE 5 – “Won” the penalty after being brought down although Carlos Baleba’s challenge would have looked good in a wrestling ring. There’s a footballer in there somewhere…SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Mainoo 64) 5 – Struggled to make an impact in a team that was being taken apart.TOBY COLLYER (for Ugarte 64) 5 – Plenty of youthful commitment but still too inexperienced to lift a side as poor as Amorim’s.ANTONY (for Mazraoui 84) 4 – Talk about a last throw of the dice by Amorim???RASMUS HOIJLUND (for Zirkzee 84) 4: Given a thankless task in the closing moments of another depressing display. More

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      Man Utd ‘looking at Wolves star Ait-Nouri to fill problem left wing-back spot’ if they miss out on top transfer target

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are looking at Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri as an alternative left-back option, according to reports.Paris Saint-Germain full-back Nuno Mendes his United’s No1 target, but a move to Old Trafford is growing more and more unlikely.Man Utd are eyeing up a move for Wolves star Rayan Ait-NouriCredit: GettyParis Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes his United’s No1 target, thoughCredit: RexBut United are currently way off from matching his £50m asking price and vast wages, reports The Independent.United need to sell players in order to meet those demands and PSG aren’t keen on letting the Portugal international.As a result, United’s attention has shifted elsewhere in case Mendes stays in Paris.Ait-Nouri has impressed at Wolves despite a hugely difficult season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has excelled as both a traditional left-back and a forward-thinking wing-back.The Algerian international has scored four goals and provided five assists across 22 appearances in all competitions this season.He has three goals and five assists in the Premier League.Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tyrell Malacia have struggled for consistency, forcing Amorim to demand reinforcements.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLuke Shaw is on the verge of returning from another muscular injury, his recurring fitness issues have left United looking elsewhere.United’s pursuit of Ait-Nouri depends on the future of Malacia, who has attracted interest from Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old TraffordMalacia’s exit could create the financial space needed to bring in Ait-Nouri.Ait-Nouri’s contract with Wolves is set to expire next summer, but the club hold an option to extend it by one more year.United also have an interest in his teammate Matheus Cunha, but Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the striker. More