John, who dedicated almost his entire career to Wolverhampton Wanderers, joined the club in 1969, moving to the Midlands from Warrington, and has never left.
Over his 14-year tenure at Wolves, Richards made 487 appearances in Old Gold winning two league cups, appearing in the first UEFA Cup Final and representing the England national team. John remains the second highest scorer in the Wolves history netting an impressive 194 goals, all of which were scored in the top flight. He holds the record for the most FA Cup goals with an outstanding total of 24.
Beloved by Wolves fans, he gained the nickname ‘King John’ and will forever be remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 1974 League Cup Final against Manchester City.
John was inducted into the Wolves Hall of Fame in 2010, and his commitment to Wolverhampton extends well beyond the pitch. As Chairman of the Wolves Former Players Association, he has extensively supported former players and their families, ensuring they receive sufficient support. He has been on the board at Molineux and served a spell as Managing Director. He is now a Vice President.
As a passionate advocate for Wolves Foundation, the club’s charitable arm, John has actively participated in events such as Molineux Memories, the Molineux Sleepout and Walking Football. Last year, he even abseiled down the Billy Wright Stand at Molineux to raise funds for the foundation, despite being in his seventies. His dedication to the Foundation has directly benefitted the residents of Wolverhampton.
Freedom of the City is the highest honour a council can bestow and is only awarded in exceptional cases. The last person to receive the Freedom of Wolverhampton was machete attack heroine Lisa Potts in 2022.
If councillors agree to grant the honour to John, he will join the ranks of such luminaries as Sir Jack Hayward, Baroness Rachel Heyhoe Flint, Dame Denise Lewis, Beverley Knight MBE, Steve Bull MBE and Hugh Porter MBE.
John said: “I have to say, the news came as a complete surprise. I’m not sure what I’ve done to be given such a prestigious award, but I’m feeling very flattered and very honoured.
“I came to Wolverhampton after I left school, more than fifty years ago, and I’ve been here ever since. I married a local girl and both our daughters were brought up here, so, it’s fair to say that this is definitely where my home is, and my heart.
“From the outset, I was made to feel very welcome and that helped me to settle in. Mind you, it took me a while to adjust to the language difference, but I’m quite proficient in Black Country now!
“Wolverhampton is a great city; like the football club, it has had its ups and downs, but that spirit and determination of the community keeps shining through. When you look around, there are so many good things happening in the city, so many good people doing so much good work to help others. It makes me feel proud to be a member of this community and I’m happy to play a part in whatever way I can.”
Councillor Linda Leach, Mayor of Wolverhampton said: “Councillors are being asked to back this proposal, which has cross party support, to grant Freedom of the City on John Richards, a much-loved adopted son of the city.
“As well as providing hugely memorable moments to Wolves fans during a long and illustrious career, he has been a valuable member of our community, raising funds for charity, supporting former players, assisting in public engagement events that have had a direct impact on the residents of Wolverhampton and been a valued member of our city. This is a fitting tribute for what he has given to Wolverhampton over the years and continues to give.”
On Thursday 23 January, members of the Governance and Ethics committee will be asked to recommend that the authority convenes an extraordinary meeting to bestow Freedom of the City to John.
The Full Council will then give final approval on Wednesday 29 January and John will be presented with a badge and scroll at a dinner hosted by the Mayor in February.
