Legendary Wolves striker and club vice president John Richards discusses how he would fare if he was at the peak of his footballing career in the modern-day game.
Team most like to play against | Crystal Palace
They’re a naturally attacking team and a lot of the Premier League teams now seem to be a bit more cautious in their attack compared to when I played, but I just love watching Crystal Palace. They’re such an attacking an exciting team, but at the same time, they do leave opportunities for the opposition attackers, and I think that would suit my style of play.
Team least like to play against | Manchester City
I have to go for Man City. They’re so good and so quick in defence. It’s the speed of their defence which I wouldn’t like to play against, `but they’re also technically very good defenders as well as very good at stifling teams. One of my main assets was speed, to be able to run into space, but I think they’ve got such a strong team that it would be difficult to get any chances against them. I like to watch them, but I wouldn’t like to play against them!
Player most like to face | Harry Maguire
Maguire has been back in the United team this season, and he’s a big, strong lad, but he’s not the quickest, so I think I would be able to get the upper hand on him. I was good at turning players and I think I’d have a good chance at turning him and running into space, so I think he would be my choice to play against.
Player least like to face | Kyle Walker
Somebody like Kyle Walker would be really difficult. He reminds me a lot – not in the exact position – of Colin Todd who was at Derby. Colin was a top class player, very agile, very quick, read the game well, and Walker is very similar to him. He’s a top class player and I wouldn’t like to be a forward going up against him.
Manager most like to play for | Mikel Arteta
I really like the way Arteta presents himself and the enthusiasm he has for football. That’s what I liked from my managers, and we had several managers at Molineux in my time, but the best was Ian Greaves. He was only there for a short while, but his enthusiasm for the game, his enthusiasm and support for players was infectious and I see that in Mikel Arteta. I’ve seen some documentaries and the way he portrays himself pitchside and the way that he talks, he’s so passionate about the game and that’s what you want from your manager because it instils the same attitude in all the players.
Wolves player most like to play with | Hee Chan Hwang
Strand Larsen is the obvious choice as he’s got a bit of ‘The Doog’ about him, but if it wasn’t for that comparison, then my choice would be Hwang. I like his attitude, he’s very attacking, he goes at people and commits defenders. By doing that it creates opportunities for other people, and I think I would be able to capitalise. It’s still early days with Larsen, but I do like his style and with the correct service, he would probably be the perfect foil for me.
Competition most like to win | FA Cup
I’m not keen on the new format for the Champions League, it’s just more matches and more money, but for me, it will always be the FA Cup. I love the FA Cup. I never got to a final, we lost in three semi-finals which was heart-breaking, but it was always my dream as a schoolkid to play in the FA Cup final at Wembley. I still have that part inside me which always dreams of that. To me, the FA Cup is still a top event and the best competition in the world as everybody has a chance, no matter who you are.
Stadium most like to play at | Etihad Stadium
I’ve not been to many of the modern ones, but it would be the Etihad – the new Maine Road. I’m only going by what Steve Daley has told me, but he goes often and he says to me that the facilities there are second to none. An unbelievable place. But for atmosphere as a fan it's Anfield. I played there and it was always difficult, but I’ve not been there since I played, so it’s definitely on my list of stadiums to go back to.
Aspect most like to have | Five substitutes
When I played, we only ever had one substitute, and that was extremely difficult, especially when you bear in mind the conditions we were playing in, the muddy pitches, and there were many a game when we’d be playing with two or three players struggling with injury, but you couldn’t afford to take them off. It would have made the game much better back then if we had the modern substitution rule.
Aspect least like to have | Water breaks
It’s too obvious to say VAR, we’d all get rid of that, but one thing that does frustrate me is the amount of water breaks. Every time there’s an opportunity, whether it’s an injury or a slight delay, everyone strolls over to the dugout and has a chat. You might as well have a cup of tea and a sit down while you’re there. I watch as a fan now, and want the game to flow with as few hold ups as possible and whenever I see that, I’m screaming for them to get on with it!
This article originally featured in Wolves' official 2024/25 matchday programme. Last season's programmes are still available to purchase online through retailers Curtis Sports.
