Richards Hails His Mates
Jo Lescott
By Scott Cooper
June 1 2003
Ex Wolves and Spurs defender Dean Richards has hailed his old mates at Molineux and believes Wolves will be a "Premiership Giant" in a few years time.
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Richards Hails Mates |
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Author: Scott Cooper Ex Wolves and Spurs defender Dean Richards has hailed his old mates at Molineux and believes Wolves will be a "Premiership Giant" in a few years time. Dave Jones made it clear that had Wolves not have been promoted at the Millennium Stadium last Monday star youngsters like Joleon Lescott and Matt Murray would be forced to leave the club. So, when Jamie Redknap, Dean Richards team mate at Spurs` asked Richards if he knew of any good players his Dad (Harry Redknap) would be able to sign, he automatically put Joleon Lescotts name forward. Richards told the Birmingham Post "Wolves will always have a special place in my heart and watching them win at Cardiff was fantastic. But I have said for a while now that Joleon is good enough for the Premiership. "He is a fantastic player and friend so when Jamie asked me if I knew any good players his dad could have a look at, Joleon was the first I mentioned. "He has had a fantastic season and there is a big future ahead of him. I am just thrilled for Joleon and everyone at Wolves because they have waited so long for this." It`s not just Jo Lescott Richards admires, he also believes Matt Murray will be a future England Goalkeeper. "He will be an England keeper," Richards insisted. "He"s got it all - confidence, great ability and determination, plus he is a great lad. Give him a season in the Premiership and he will be knocking on the door for a full England call. "What a day to put in that kind of performance too. Matt was on top of his game from the start." Richards also revealed himself and Wolves Hero Robbie Keane were both willing the boys on to victory in Cardiff. "We were texting each other all the way through the match," he said. "Sheffield United are a superb team, but it was clear by half-time who were the winners. "As soon as the half-time whistle went I sent a text to Robbie saying 'they've done it'. "Robbie and I both keep in touch with Joleon. We all had dinner together recently - it is good keeping in touch because Wolves mean so much to both of us." Richards also praised Wolves manager Dave Jones "Dave is the most honest, genuine man I have ever met and what happened to his career was horrible. "Southampton had their own reasons of course, but as it turned out, if they had stuck by him they would have been rewarded. "Anyone who knew Dave always knew those charges were wrong. That's why I was so happy for him when Wolves won. It was the end of a long, hard journey for Dave and his family. "I am sure it must have been a special moment for him. But it won't end there. With the kind of financial backing available through Sir Jack Hayward, over the next few years Wolves will become one of the giants of the Premiership. The first objective will be to survive the initial season. But after that they will just get stronger." "If you are going to survive in the Premiership you need players with experience and ability at this level," he said. "Like Birmingham's board, Sir Jack will want Wolves to survive so I am positive he will make money available." And Richards has insisted Wanderers' main asset next season will be their supporters. "There were times at Wolves when it was the most pressurised place I have ever played," he said. "But that was only because the fans wanted success so very much. Nineteen years is a long time to be out of the top flight when you are a club that size. "And you saw the true supporters' spirit at Cardiff. They back their team every step of the way. "They used to get frustrated getting close and then failing Now that Wolves are back, I know the fans will cheer them every step of the way."
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