'There won't be a church big enough': Leeds grassroots football pays tribute to Micah Richards' dad | OneFootball

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds’ grassroots football community has paid tribute to Lincoln Richards, father of former England defender Micah Richards, following his death on Wednesday morning.

Richards, who grew up in Chapeltown, learned of his father’s sudden death shortly before going on air as a BBC pundit for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina. He appeared alongside Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney as Thomas Tuchel’s side lost 2-1 late.

Lincoln, who moved from Basseterre to England in the 1960s, was a well known figure and ran Sunday league side Chapeltown Fforde Grene FC with his friend Charlie Thomas. He regularly sent barrels of clothes and football kits back to Basseterre, a tradition his family are understood to continue.

He helped to run Yorkshire Amateurs and served as chairman for several years until leaving in 2017, playing a key role in preventing the club’s closure in 2012. He also helped to run Chapeltown’s famed West Indian Carnival.

Thomas said there would not be a church big enough to hold those wishing to pay respects and called Lincoln inspiring and trustworthy. He added that Lincoln long wanted to own a Sunday League team and to install floodlights at Bracken Edge.

Others echoed the sentiment, with Tim O’Donnell recalling 15 years working alongside a cheerful, good natured colleague who constantly encouraged Micah. Clive Howarth described Lincoln as a Chapeltown legend and said Micah had made his dad proud during Wednesday’s coverage.

Despite the devastating news, Richards is expected to remain in the United States and will be on the BBC’s team for Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The 38-year-old said in an Instagram post that his father “was my greatest fan” and “barely missed a game my entire life.”

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk