In a Flash: From Wolves prospect to academic championing black pioneers | OneFootball

Richard Flash, once courted by Manchester United and signed by Wolves, has rebuilt his career in the classroom, his research into black pioneers rekindling a love for the sport. Now 49, he lectures in sports business and management at UCFB in Manchester.

As reported by ExpressAndStar.com, Flash shared digs with David Beckham, drew praise from Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, stays in touch with Bryan Robson and John Barnes, and was twice signed by Graham Taylor, including at Wolves. Sir Alex Ferguson once challenged him to become the next Ryan Giggs. He is not a household name, but he could have been.

A run of injuries, and the physical and psychological strain that followed, altered his path. With a fairer wind, he believes he could have been among Ferguson’s fledglings lighting up Old Trafford. He prefers reflection to regret.

Raised in Birmingham and encouraged by his mother, he excelled for school sides and in five-a-side, attracting Villa and Birmingham City, while Liverpool, United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest tracked him. United scout Geoff Watson invited him to train in school holidays and play for feeder side Manchester Eagles, and Lee Sharpe visited his school during a TV feature as the club tried to secure schoolboy forms.

His current work spans a website and X account, including a one to 11 of the first black players to represent different clubs. He aims to raise awareness of their journeys, exploring how barriers and racism were overcome, and uses long-held contacts to build conversations. In his spare time he is growing these projects, which he sees developing over the next decade.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com