Tom Richardson, York City
Born York, 10/06/93
Position Midfield
Nickname Richo.
Team supported Newcastle United. My dad was born there so I’ve grown up to support the same team as him. He used to work for Adidas so we used to go to every game and sit in their box. As I play on Saturdays now we only get to the odd game.
I play a bit like… Gareth Barry. I can play a defensive midfield role but I also try and run a lot and get the balling moving with my passing.
Strengths My fitness, passing and determination to win. I used to be a prolific midfielder but haven’t scored too many recently. I’m also a good leader and think that I lead the team well.
Weaknesses I want to win so badly that if things don’t go my way I sometimes get frustrated but I’m working on getting this out of my game. I’d like to score more goals this season too.
Highlights This pre-season I came on for the first team against Hull in a friendly. I got about 25 minutes and came close to scoring so that was obviously a highlight for me. I played a full ninety for the first team in another friendly too which was great. Being made captain for the youth team is also something that I’m proud of.
Lowlights I’ve had a few injuries but nothing major that’s kept me out for long. Touch wood it will stay that way.
Toughest opponent Hull had some really good players. Tom Cairney was good in midfield and Anthony Gardner at the back was a unit. He’s huge and blocks everything.
Biggest influence Probably my parents. My dad is always encouraging me and telling me how well I can do. He watches all the games. I’ve got my driving test soon but he drives me around at the moment.
Films I saw the A-Team the other day and that was quite good. The new Mr T is good – funny and a very big lad. I saw Inception too which I thought was a good film but a bit hard to follow.
TV programmes All the sport ones. Soccer AM of course. I like the Inbetweeners too.
If you hadn’t been a footballer… I’d be a personal trainer or a PE teacher. Something in sport.
If you could play alongside any player… Steven Gerrard. He always gives everything. Even though England had a poor World Cup I thought that he gave everything he could. He’s Liverpool all over which I think he’s proved by staying at the club when he had a few other options.
In five year’s time… You’ve got to aim high and have ambition so hopefully I’ll be at the best club I can be at and playing football at my best level.
Written By Alexander Smith
