This article delves into the early days of Micah Richards, a scene-bursting 17-year-old who became England’s youngest defender. Experience the nostalgia with mock Ceefax/Teletext graphics as we explore the journey of a player who cemented his status as English football’s top emerging talent between 2005-07.
You can also watch a video version of the article below.
Man City’s 2005-06 squad
In the 2005-2006 season, Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce relied on former England international strikers Andy Cole, Darius Vassell and Robbie Fowler for goals. At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper David James and centre-backs Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin provided a solid defensive unit, while Joey Barton was a key player in midfield. City also boasted a host of exciting youngsters, including Bradley Wright-Phillips, Stephen Ireland, and a 17-year-old defender named Micah Richards.
Micah Richards’ professional debut
On October 22, 2005, Richards made his first competitive Manchester City appearance when he came on as an 85th-minute substitute for Kiki Musampa in a 1-0 loss against Arsenal at Highbury. The match, which is best remembered for Robert Pires and Thierry Henry’s spectacular penalty miscommunication, featured a late chance for Richards, who played as an emergency striker. “He could have made a name for himself there on his league debut!” BBC commentator John Motson excitedly said. “Micah Richards, only 17, latches onto this cross from Sun Jihai, but he pulls his shot a long way wide.”
First Man of the Match
Three months later, Richards played 12 minutes in a 3-0 win over Newcastle as Stuart Pearce slowly introduced the emerging talent into the first-team fold. Richards went on to play 90 minutes for the first time in a 3-2 victory against Charlton. His performance drew high praise from fans, pundits, and even a revolutionary television service. “Making my full debut for City against Charlton last February would have to be up there,” Richards told FourFourTwo, “especially as I got marked eight out of 10 on Teletext!”
Setting the scene
After the Man of the Match display against Charlton, Richards was selected to start a competitive match for just the second time when Manchester City travelled to Aston Villa in the FA Cup Fifth Round. David O’Leary’s Villa boasted names including Olof Mellberg, James Milner and Gareth Barry, while Stuart Pearce named January signings Albert Riera and Giorgios Samaras in his starting XI. Villa took the lead against the run of play through Milan Baros in the 72nd minute. Then, with 93 minutes on the clock, City threw everyone forward, including goalkeeper David James, in search of a late equaliser.
Bursting onto the scene
With seconds remaining, Joey Barton lofted a corner over from the right-hand side, and Micah Richards jumped above Villa defender Liam Ridgewell to power a header home from 10 yards. “What an unbelievable story,” said BBC commentator Steve Wilson. “The 17-year-old has earned Manchester City a replay!” Richards launched himself over the ad boards and leaped around in jubilation with the Manchester City supporters behind the goal.
Post-match interview
“It’s just great to be out there,” Richards said in a live interview with the BBC’s Garth Crooks after the game. Seconds later, City’s goalscoring hero stunned viewers by saying the F word live on television, resulting in an immediate warning. “You’re a young lad and we can understand your excitement,” Crooks responded. “But this is going out to a national audience, so be careful what you say.”
How Richards’ mum reacted
The tellings-off didn’t end there, as Richards revealed to PA Sport that his mother was less than impressed with his post-match choice of words. “My mum told me off a little bit for it and said that I was making myself look bad on TV,” the youngster said. Richards also insisted fame hadn’t changed him and he was still happy to do the washing up and other chores around the house.
Regular starter
Back on the pitch, Manchester City won the replay 2-1 against Aston Villa before losing to eventual FA Cup runners-up West Ham in the quarter-finals. City’s form quickly went downhill and Stuart Pearce’s side finished 15th in the table after a run of nine losses in 10 games at the end of the season. Richards ended his first campaign in professional football with 16 appearances and one goal.
England call-up
In 2006-2007, Richards cemented his status as English football’s next big thing when he received his first international call-up. “I think he’s the new breed of player,” England manager Steve McClaren said. “He’s strong, athletic, mobile and very, very quick.” Richards lined up alongside Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole in defence as the Three Lions drew 1-1 against Netherlands in a friendly. In doing so, he became England’s youngest-ever defender.
Chelsea interest
The following month, Premier League champions Chelsea were strongly linked with a move for Richards after a back injury sidelined captain John Terry for over a month. By that point, Richards’ stock had risen so high that Stuart Pearce implied he would be willing to leave if City sold the player without his approval. “If I say ‘no’ to any sale then I would hope it would mean the club says ‘no’,” Pearce said. “Otherwise someone else might as well manage the club.”
Tottenham interest
As it turned out, Pearce left Manchester City at the end of the 2006-2007 season after finishing in 14th place, just four points above the relegation zone. The club rebuffed Chelsea’s interest in Richards and reportedly rejected a £5 million bid from Tottenham.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson replaced Pearce at City, and Richards’ scene-bursting first 18 months as a pro were about to get even better.
Player of the Month
The 2007-2008 season began with City winning three consecutive games without conceding a goal, a run that included a 1-0 victory over rivals Manchester United. Richards played in central defence alongside Richard Dunne and won the Premier League Player of the Month Award for August. “I don’t suppose anyone could argue with him winning the award,” Sven-Goran Eriksson said. “How he is playing for us and for England at 19 is absolutely fantastic.”
Summary
Richards’ dream start continued as he scored his first – and only – England goal in a 3-0 Euro 2008 qualifying win over Israel. That goal – a powerful header from a Gareth Barry corner – arguably signified the end of Richards’ scene-bursting. By the age of 19, he had already achieved more than some players do in their entire careers. Many critics believe Richards should have lifted more trophies and won more caps in the years that followed, but that debate can wait for another day. For now, let’s just agree that, no matter what anyone says, it is safe to say Micah Richards most definitely burst onto the scene.
Thanks for reading!
If you enjoyed this article, please subscribe to the Deefax Football YouTube channel for more classic football stories. You can also check out the 500-question football quiz book and a range of more than 60 nostalgic football canvases.