Leeds grassroots football mourn Micah Richards’ dad Lincoln Richards | OneFootball

Leeds’ grassroots game has paid tribute to Lincoln Richards, father of former England defender Micah Richards, after his death.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Richards learned of the news shortly before going on air as a BBC pundit for England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, working alongside Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney as England lost 2-1.

Lincoln, who moved from Basseterre in the 1960s, co-ran Chapeltown Fforde Grene FC with friend Charlie Thomas. He also helped run Yorkshire Amateurs, serving as chairman until 2017 and playing a key role in saving the club from closure in 2012.

Thomas said a church might not be big enough for the turnout. He said Lincoln inspired him, dreamed of running his own Sunday League team and adding floodlights at Bracken Edge, and was known as good and trustworthy.

Friends recalled he sent barrels of clothes and football kits to his hometown of Basseterre, and it is understood his family will continue that tradition following his death on Wednesday morning.

Further tributes on Facebook praised his humour, kindness and commanding presence, with one recalling schooldays alongside Micah and saying the former defender made his dad proud during Wednesday’s broadcast.

Despite the news, Richards is expected to remain in the United States and be part of the BBC team for Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. He later wrote that his father was his greatest fan who barely missed a game.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk