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John Richards

The Chris Allen Podcast

Sunday, 2 February 2025 - 21 minutes

Councillors in Wolverhampton are bestowing Freedom of the City to Wolves legend John Richards for his outstanding services to football and his wider contribution to the city.

John, who dedicated almost his entire career to Wolverhampton Wanderers, joined the club in 1969, moving to the Midlands from Warrington, and has never left.

Over his 14-year tenure at Wolves, Richards made 487 appearances in Old Gold winning two league cups, appearing in the first UEFA Cup Final and representing the England national team. John remains the second highest scorer in the Wolves history netting an impressive 194 goals, all of which were scored in the top flight. He holds the record for the most FA Cup goals with an outstanding total of 24.

Beloved by Wolves fans, he gained the nickname ‘King John’ and will forever be remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 1974 League Cup Final against Manchester City.

John was inducted into the Wolves Hall of Fame in 2010, and his commitment to Wolverhampton extends well beyond the pitch. As Chairman of the Wolves Former Players Association, he has extensively supported former players and their families, ensuring they receive sufficient support. He has been on the board at Molineux and served a spell as Managing Director. He is now a Vice President.

As a passionate advocate for Wolves Foundation, the club’s charitable arm, John has actively participated in events such as Molineux Memories, the Molineux Sleepout and Walking Football. Last year, he even abseiled down the Billy Wright Stand at Molineux to raise funds for the foundation, despite being in his seventies. His dedication to the Foundation has directly benefitted the residents of Wolverhampton.

Freedom of the City is the highest honour a council can bestow and is only awarded in exceptional cases.

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