REST IN PEACE: Richie Williams

Derby County was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former youth coach Richie Williams at the age of 81.

Richie served within the Rams’ youth setup from the start of the 1980s with unwavering commitment, playing a vital role in the development of aspiring footballers during their formative years.

Before joining the club, Richie had been a full-time teacher who worked as a part-time scout before accepting a permanent position.

That offer came in the summer of 1989, when he became a youth team coach, working alongside Gerry Summers and Jimmy Sirrell, kickstarting an association with the club that would span over three decades.

Richie had a keen eye for developing youth talent, and he played a role in the careers of a string of players who went on to enjoy considerable careers in the game.

Indeed, the likes of Lee Carsley, Mark Stallard, Wayne Sutton, Nick Wright and Kevin Cooper and many others enjoyed success in the professional ranks after spending time working under him.

His willingness to go the extra mile left a lasting impression on colleagues and players alike, and those who worked alongside him spoke of his humility, affection for Derby County, sport in general, and his passion for the development of youth players.

Rams’ kitman Jonathan Davidson was one of those who benefited from Richie’s teaching, saying: “Richie was my coach when I signed as a schoolboy.

“He played a crucial role in the development of a string of players such as Craig Ramage, Steve Taylor and the likes of Rufus Brevett, who all went on to have significant careers in the game.

“I saw Ben Osborn post a few words on social media after his passing, and he said one of the hallmarks of Richie’s sessions was that he put on games where there was no tackling allowed. It was done to showcase talent.

“There are more than a few players who would have enjoyed that, and it certainly came out in Ben’s game as he progressed to the senior ranks.

“Richie had a passion for working with young players and, genuinely, it was impossible to dislike him.

“He was also involved in other sports - notably cricket - and I played more than a few games with him.

“There were times in his later years when he struggled with his hip, and before sessions, he would get some of the players to pull on his leg and stretch it out so that he could move more comfortably. That was a sight, I can tell you!

“But what I shall remember most of all is his dedication to improving young players, his lovely, warm manner and his favourite words which were ‘smashing,’ ‘super’ and ‘brilliant.’

“To use one of those words back at him, he was a ’smashing’ fella."

Former Rams’ player and coach Steve Round echoed those sentiments.

Indeed, he owed more than most to his former mentor and said: “Richie was my schoolteacher at Mickleover Junior School - he used to get me excused out of lessons on occasion to play football and then signed me on schoolboy forms for the club when I was 14 years old.

“Obviously, as a teacher, he had direct influence on my schooling and then my football, too. He had a huge bearing on me, both in terms of my football career and as a person.

“He was so passionate about football. He used to eat, sleep and breathe the game. In fact, he loved all sports, but his enthusiasm for football knew no bounds.

“He was a big fan of Brian Clough - and, at times, his coaching bore a few of his mannerisms, which was no bad thing.

“There are a lot of players who played under him and went on to enjoy good careers in the professional and amateur game, and I believe that most would say Richie had a significant impact upon them.”

His brother, Dave, said that while Richie commanded affection at the club, his driving was not so well regarded.

He said: “Cars were something Richie used to get from A to B. There was a time when the playing staff at the club were given a fleet of Toyota Priuses. They were all the same colour - black.

“Richie was at home one day, enjoying a cup of tea, having driven back home from Moor Farm, when he received a frantic phone call to return at once.

“Apparently, he had driven off in Robbie Savage’s car by mistake, and the player wasn’t too happy about it!”

In the latter part of his career, Richie also worked as a coach with Repton School and the Independent Schools Football Association.

Richie died following a short illness and is survived by wife, Kim, daughters Becky and Sarah, and son John.