Richard has many years’ experience as a Hospital Manager in Norwich and Liverpool, before being promoted to CEO of a Hospital Trust in Manchester. During this time, he also progressed as a referee in the Central League, taking charge of clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton reserve teams.

Later, Richard was asked to become CEO of a large hospital complex in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where he also managed a local Saudi football team.

On his return to the UK, he joined the Woodspring Junior League as Fixtures Secretary, before becoming League Secretary of the Somerset Floodlight Youth League (now the Western Counties Floodlight Youth League, recognising its expansion across three counties and restriction to clubs in steps 1–6 of the FA pyramid). Alongside this, he was travelling extensively across Europe — advising companies in Germany, Holland and Cyprus — whilst continuing to serve the WCFYL.

He went on to add further football and management experience as Club Secretary and Director at Weston-super-Mare AFC.

Richard still enjoys being part of the League, helping provide a platform where clubs can develop their players in a competitive and professionally run environment. He is particularly excited to see the League’s professional approach reflected in new digital forms and a website full of information.