Former Lincoln City goalkeeper Barry Richardson has left Doncaster Rovers just a week before the Imps go there, hoping to secure the League One title.
The 56-year-old departs his role as first-team coach, bringing a short second spell with Rovers to an end as he looks to take up a new opportunity closer to home.
Richardson returned to Doncaster last summer to work under Grant McCann, adding experience to the coaching staff ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. However, the club have now confirmed he has stepped away from the role, with the move understood to be partly driven by personal circumstances.
In a statement released following his departure, Richardson explained his reasoning.
“I’ve had a great experience and I’ve really enjoyed working with the club, the staff and the players. It’s been an invaluable experience and I’ve learned plenty.
“It’s just the right time for me to move on. I’m looking to get back north to spend more time with my parents who are both ill. I’d like to thank Grant, Cliff, the staff, players and supporters for their support in my time back at the club.”
Manager Grant McCann confirmed the exit had been anticipated should the right opportunity arise.
“We had an agreement if a role came up back in goalkeeper coaching then we wouldn’t stand in his way, and that is the case.”
Popular former Imp remembered for character and promotion role
Richardson is a familiar name from a memorable period in the Imps’ history. Signed by John Beck in October 1995, he made his debut in a 1-0 home defeat against Cardiff City and quickly established himself as a regular between the posts.
He went on to feature in every remaining match that season, becoming a key figure in the side during the late 1990s. Known as much for his personality as his goalkeeping, Richardson was a colourful presence, with his long hair and animated style making him a target for opposition supporters, something he often appeared to enjoy rather than shy away from.
One of the standout moments of his time at Sincil Bank came during the 1997-98 campaign, when he played his part in a successful promotion push. He kept 12 clean sheets from 26 league appearances that season, contributing to a side that ultimately secured a return to the third tier.
His time at the club was not without controversy. Richardson was involved in the infamous clash at Moss Rose in April 1998, a chaotic encounter that saw a mass brawl involving both teams. He was one of several players sent off and later charged by the FA, underlining the combative edge that sometimes accompanied his performances.
Richardson later battled for the number one shirt with John Vaughan before eventually being overtaken by Alan Marriott, which led to his exit and a move to Doncaster Rovers in a playing capacity. He was also sent off while part of Cheltenham’s backroom staff during another mass brawl at the Bank, this time in 2009.
You must be logged in to post a comment.