The Hotel End

The Hotel End => Cobblers Corner => Topic started by: Ralap on April 18, 2017, 12:10:38 pm



Title: Marc Richards.
Post by: Ralap on April 18, 2017, 12:10:38 pm
I've seen mention on other threads of people thinking Marc may have come to an end of his time at the club as a player. As top scorer so far in a crazy season on the pitch I'm not sure I agree.
But putting that to one side, with Marc showing the commitment to the club by settling down in the town, his kids are apparently happily settled at local schools, couldn't the club show faith in return and allow him to finish his coaching badges with us. He may have another season or so in him as a player, if not couldn't we make a coaching position for him? He comes across as a top bloke and talks a lot of sense and in a straight, no bulls***e, manner to me. Possible future manager?


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Razor on April 18, 2017, 12:16:01 pm
I think he still has plenty to offer as a player. As you say he is our top scorer this season and he hardly started a game until November. Letting him go would be a bad mistake.

I wouldn't let him take any more penalties though!


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Alfred on April 18, 2017, 12:24:05 pm
it all comes down to money .....



Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Ralap on April 18, 2017, 12:29:27 pm
it all comes down to money .....



Agreed but forward thinking maybe needs to be considered.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: threeinabed on April 18, 2017, 12:31:02 pm
it all comes down to money .....


correct - he came back for a decent pay packet on a 3 year deal here, if someone offered him something similar elsewhere he would go now.

i doubt we would offer him a 3 year deal.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Benji on April 18, 2017, 12:44:18 pm
The biggest problem is that Richards and Revell are very similar players and with Revell already under contract next year I can see Richards leaving. Richards has the edge for me but I don't see the club keeping them both with so much rebuilding needed with the squad.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2487 on April 18, 2017, 13:19:48 pm
I'd keep Rico over Revell.

I agree with the thought of getting him to finish his badges etc, possible player/coach role?


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: defender on April 18, 2017, 14:17:47 pm
The biggest problem is that Richards and Revell are very similar players and with Revell already under contract next year I can see Richards leaving. Richards has the edge for me but I don't see the club keeping them both with so much rebuilding needed with the squad.
[/quotet
             I agree they are so much the same, We have missed the 'fox in the box' Hoskins more than a lot on here thought we would.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: The Rauldinho on April 18, 2017, 14:41:13 pm
Keep him on a reduced wage/coaching role/etc if we can.

Still has something to offer, has been our best striker this season.

Revs isn't going anywhere, I'd be happy with them plus Hoskins, Lobjoit and Iaciofano next season. Gives us four out and out strikers and one who can play wide or at the top of the diamond (hopefully).

In the middle of the park is where we need strengthening first, people who can play in the diamond.



Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2677 on April 18, 2017, 15:14:17 pm
I'd keep Rico over Revell.

I agree with the thought of getting him to finish his badges etc, possible player/coach role?
So would I.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Dr Feelgood on April 18, 2017, 15:22:06 pm
I'd bring in Baldy to play along side the Revmeister..


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: SteveRiches on April 18, 2017, 15:26:34 pm
You can't argue with the stats. His goals have saved us. But he needs good crosses and a fast front runner with him. We have neither of those things happening presently. If Sam Hoskins recovers ok he'll be part of an answer. What we don't want to lose is Rico's magnificent leadership on or off the field. We really need to offer him some sort of contract where he works for the club off the field but is available on it while (if) we stay in this division. With the right set-up and free from injury he'll score goals next season. It's a no-brainer.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Vintage Cobbler on April 18, 2017, 15:50:16 pm
Agree but part of the problem up front is that Rico & Revell are too alike and, as we have seen on too many occasions, they don't play well as a pair up front. If Hoskins is going to play a part he will need to improve greatly on his goal scoring and that may be wishful thinking.  Some hard decisions for JE to make are imminent.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: bungle on April 18, 2017, 16:06:00 pm
Rico has been a great servant and in a world of mercenaries and fly-by-night loanees I think he has a rare and valuable affinity for the club which is worth preserving. He offers the kind of leadership and dressing room presence which would be hard to replace.

Unfortunately, that numbskull Page spunked a big chunk of the budget on signing an extremely similar player. Revell has been quite decent this season, and in any case is the one under contract. I don't really see how we can afford the luxury of keeping both of them on the same terms. I still think, even with the signing of Lobjoit and the return of Hoskins, that we probably need to sign another type of striker in the summer, particularly if JED continues his preference for two up front.



Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Razor on April 18, 2017, 16:10:59 pm
Unfortunately, that numbskull Page spunked a big chunk of the budget on signing an extremely similar player.

This is the biggest problem. If it's possible to move Revell on we really should try and do so as Rico is the better option all day long for me.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Vintage Cobbler on April 18, 2017, 16:15:01 pm
There is little to choose between them but if JE is going to persist with his diamond formation where is the pace and delivery going to come from to provide either of these strikers with the scoring opportunities on a regular basis? 


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Cobbler78 on April 18, 2017, 17:09:29 pm
It will come down to wages, he must be on £3k per week now. On that salary I would think twice about another year. If he was will to half this, I'd keep him for another year. Trouble is a L2 club might offer him a two year deal, but would he want the extra travel?


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest3063 on April 18, 2017, 18:13:43 pm
I think part of the problem this season is a lack of legs, we need younger more athletic players with pace. Therefore, can we go into next season with at least three players in their mid thirties? Can we keep Matt Taylor, Marc Richards & Alex Revell - no I don't think so. Revell is the only one of the three under contract so is clearly in the best position.

However, a coaching/playing position would be a good way to keep Rico involved.



Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: OldStratfordCobbler on April 18, 2017, 18:43:47 pm
Keep him on a reduced wage/coaching role/etc if we can.

Still has something to offer, has been our best striker this season.

Revs isn't going anywhere, I'd be happy with them plus Hoskins, Lobjoit and Iaciofano next season. Gives us four out and out strikers and one who can play wide or at the top of the diamond (hopefully).

In the middle of the park is where we need strengthening first, people who can play in the diamond.


2 of those named, L and JI, are untried and have not played a single Football League game between them! Well, JI has had a couple of minutes at Sheffield United. In my opinion we need proven strikers with pace to compliment the kids.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: The 12th Marquis of Sixfields on April 18, 2017, 19:28:41 pm
If it's a choice between Richards and Revell then it's not a tough one, is it?
Just a shame it might not be a choice.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: cobbler150 on April 18, 2017, 19:42:30 pm
Proved me wrong this season. Id have him all day long for another season. His finish against Sheff United proves hes got it. If he had decent wide men this season he would scored more no doubt.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: southeastcobbler on April 18, 2017, 20:38:38 pm
I know from speaking with Rico, he is very settled and wants to stay at the club. From what was said, I got the feeling he would be happy to take a coaching roll when it comes to it. I think we will get one more playing year (I dont think money is really an issue), and he will then move to be one of our coaches.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2995 on April 18, 2017, 20:56:29 pm
Keep him on a reduced wage/coaching role/etc if we can.

Still has something to offer, has been our best striker this season.

Revs isn't going anywhere, I'd be happy with them plus Hoskins, Lobjoit and Iaciofano next season. Gives us four out and out strikers and one who can play wide or at the top of the diamond (hopefully).

In the middle of the park is where we need strengthening first, people who can play in the diamond.


Well Laciafano hasn't pulled up trees at Corby and Lobjoit has played for Buckingham so I wouldn't put too much pressure on those two .
Hoskins is not a goal scorer .
I'd keep rico on a reduced deal


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Dan on April 19, 2017, 07:53:01 am
Proved me wrong this season. Id have him all day long for another season. His finish against Sheff United proves hes got it. If he had decent[/s] wide men this season he would scored more no doubt.

For the record I'd keep him too and am confident he'll be here. He speaks to Black Army and others frequently in the Melbourne Arms and is very settled in Northants.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: meccanostand on April 19, 2017, 08:21:37 am
Depends on what is ambitions are. Maybe he wants to be a coach or a manager or perhaps neither.

Also depends on Justin Edinburgh's appetite for having a club stalwart and strong character on the coaching staff.

As a player he'll score goals for eternity but will keeping him allow us to kick on next season? A difficult one.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: defender on April 19, 2017, 09:45:35 am
 This is a tricky one, Perhaps a one-year deal with wage reduction? He could choose to go elsewhere ie Eastleigh, where he could still be a hero He would still bang in goals at this level I feel, but no player lasts forever. Good luck to him whatever happens.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Terryfenwickatemyhamster on April 19, 2017, 16:09:20 pm
I hope he's gone. I like the bloke, but he's days as a striker are done.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Benji on April 19, 2017, 16:19:51 pm
I hope he's gone. I like the bloke, but he's days as a striker are done.
Not really sure if that's a serious comment, his goals this season show he is still a more than capable striker, my guess is there would be plenty of league clubs more than happy to take him should he leave us.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Letchworthcobbler on April 19, 2017, 17:11:12 pm
I think he would be good doing a coaching role.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: defender on April 19, 2017, 19:59:13 pm
I hope he's gone. I like the bloke, but he's days as a striker are done.

 There is a good chance that you are right.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: BedsCobb on April 19, 2017, 20:10:20 pm
He guarantees  15 goals that we cant afford to lose..
Worthy of another year even as an impact off the bench. as for next season we cant afford to struggle for goals..


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Starmer87 on April 19, 2017, 20:15:50 pm
I'd keep him over Revs, he's been so disappointing this season. But saying that everyone has with page ripping the squad to bits in first half of season but defo keep Rico


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: bri77 on April 19, 2017, 20:52:37 pm
Sentiment plays a part in this but he should stay purely based on his professionalism and loyalty when he could have been off. It's not going to bankrupt us giving him a contract so just double it up as a coach and we get double the money's worth anyway.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: threeinabed on April 20, 2017, 08:25:32 am
Sentiment plays a part in this but he should stay purely based on his professionalism and loyalty when he could have been off. It's not going to bankrupt us giving him a contract so just double it up as a coach and we get double the money's worth anyway.

how do you know it wont?! he was given a 3 year deal on very good money to convince him to come here


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: DrillingCobbler on April 20, 2017, 09:39:04 am
I thought at the time it was the length of the contract that was meant to have enticed him here, not the wages itself? Im sure he was offered more money else where but on shorter contracts.

He's worth a 2 year deal on sensible money as a player/coach. For sure.

As for Revs…he started the season brilliantly and looked to be a decent upgrade on Rico. A year younger as well. I remember everybody being very impressed with his work rate in particular, comparing him to Neil Grayson.

I think his head possibility went down with his personal issues, its recently been reported how he lost his Dad a short while ago and that the last time he saw him play was against Man UTD. Then he got injured in January and kept having relapses. Its become a nightmare season for the bloke.

Give him a pre-season and he will be back on it, Im sure of it. Him, Rico, Hoskins,Lobjolt or whatever his name is and a 'marquee quick fox in the box' would be my preference. If we can't agree a deal with Rico, Id take a punt on Michael Smith but with him being 'similar' to Rico/Revs it wouldn't make much sense having all 3! But I really rate Smith, theres a player in there somewhere. (17 goals for Swindon at this level a couple of years back don't forget and he's still very young)



Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Vintage Cobbler on April 20, 2017, 09:43:58 am
Whilst we badly need a fox in the box striker (Keshi Anderson has not been the solution although he has been played out of position) I think our biggest problem is in midfield where we have no pace and little creativity.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: threeinabed on April 20, 2017, 10:51:45 am
to be fair, there are issues all over the pitch - but, goals win games.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: tcobb on April 20, 2017, 11:59:21 am
Very strange to say he will make a good coach. He might, he might not, is it worth tieing up money on a player for two years when the only justification is that he is a "good bloke "


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: threeinabed on April 20, 2017, 12:14:07 pm
Very strange to say he will make a good coach. He might, he might not, is it worth tieing up money on a player for two years when the only justification is that he is a "good bloke "

apparently so..............it's the same philosophy as "x is our best player because they run around the pitch more than everyone else"


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: DrillingCobbler on April 20, 2017, 12:25:01 pm
Very strange to say he will make a good coach. He might, he might not, is it worth tieing up money on a player for two years when the only justification is that he is a "good bloke "

Whose said/assumed he will make a good coach?

I think most people see him as a decent stalwart (5 years he's played for us in total), one of our most successful goal scorers in the last 20 odd years, he's been captain for a big chunk of that time (which suggests he's a good leader and well respected) and speaks well/sounds intelligent when he's interviewed.

You then add to the equation that he's this season (and last seasons) top goal scorer so from a playing perspective he's worth keeping.

Finally, you consider that if he's doing his badges its something that he wants to get into and has a passion for. He lives locally, kids attending local schools etc. So money *might not be his biggest short term objective allowing for a compromise agreement which works out well for both him and the football club as a whole.

There are many justifications in keeping him here.  Not just because he's a 'good bloke' which according to you is the only one!!


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Vintage Cobbler on April 20, 2017, 13:01:07 pm
The consensus of opinion seems to be that he stays on in a player/coach role. I'm not against that but it has to be recognised that he is not quite the player he was and he is likely to be that bit slower next season. That is football life. We don't have a big budget and JE has to spend it very wisely to rebuild a poor squad (let's accept the truth and not dream otherwise).


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2995 on April 20, 2017, 19:59:46 pm
Very strange to say he will make a good coach. He might, he might not, is it worth tieing up money on a player for two years when the only justification is that he is a "good bloke "
How does anyone know he will be a good coach ?? Plus we don't need any coaches .
Jon Brady and Darren Collins are at the club currently and they are both very good and well qualified coaches . Plus they both know JED very well .
I would prefer to see these two more prominent


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Cobbler78 on April 20, 2017, 20:05:15 pm
How does anyone know he will be a good coach ?? Plus we don't need any coaches .
Jon Brady and Darren Collins are at the club currently and they are both very good and well qualified coaches . Plus they both know JED very well .
I would prefer to see these two more prominent

John Brady and Darren Collins from Brackley Town?


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: bri77 on April 20, 2017, 20:10:24 pm
Football fans are quick to moan about lack of loyalty with players and yet when it goes the other way it's fine.
We aren't just talking about a player that's been with us for a while we are talking about one that stayed when he wasn't being paid, which was a huge factor in our second half of the season surge last year.
So if we can Utilise him at all without it putting strain on our finances (which I think we can) then we should.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2995 on April 20, 2017, 20:14:45 pm
John Brady and Darren Collins from Brackley Town?
Correct . Particularly Jon is a very well respected coach amongst people that know .
I am not saying they should become manager of NTFC but I am saying they are ahead of Rico in the pecking order .


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest3063 on April 20, 2017, 20:19:43 pm
Unfortunately, there is no loyalty in football. We would probably all like Rico to stay but the club has to move forward & JE has some tough decisions to make in the next couple of weeks.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: SteveRiches on April 21, 2017, 17:10:57 pm
I was halfway thro' messing with some stats when I accidentally posted a load of tripe on here...so I apologise to the poster below!


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: GrangeParkCobbler on April 21, 2017, 17:16:34 pm
12 goals so far in 288 mins of football so far this season at League One level. Clearly we need an additional striker with pace and a better supply of crosses but why would you throw the baby out with the bathwater?

???

A goal every 24 minutes? Who are you talking about?


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: SteveRiches on April 21, 2017, 17:23:30 pm
Sorry - I posted some complete tripe accidentally while adding up some stats in part of my phone....what I meant to post was that Rico has scored one goal for every 288 mins on the field so far this season, slightly ahead of J.J. Why would you throw the baby out with the bathwater?


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2995 on April 21, 2017, 22:19:02 pm
Don't ever be sympathetic in football .
Rico's legs have gone but he can do a job for us for another year at reduced wages ....


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: southofthecounty on April 22, 2017, 19:06:04 pm
???

A goal every 24 minutes? Who are you talking about?
Just lately, whatever team we are playing against.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2487 on April 22, 2017, 21:59:04 pm
He was woeful today, mind you, they all were.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2235 on June 07, 2018, 10:58:57 am
Welcome back
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/feature-richards-delighted-to-be-back-at-the-cobblers-as-a-youth-team-coach-1-8524299


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: threeinabed on June 07, 2018, 12:04:13 pm
Welcome back
https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/football/feature-richards-delighted-to-be-back-at-the-cobblers-as-a-youth-team-coach-1-8524299

3 months late


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2235 on June 07, 2018, 12:07:48 pm
Fair enough... The Chronicle & Echo are running it as a new story today and the first I'd heard of it


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2995 on June 07, 2018, 12:27:38 pm
Sounds to me Rico didn’t want to leave , the other players didn’t want him to leave ( he went in the end of season night out ) , we could do with him in division 2 and him and Revell should not have left together - even though both are not good enough for division 1 . No one is happy !!
All in all , another Hasselbank blunder .


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Wolvo on June 07, 2018, 13:44:12 pm
One step closer to a Rico and O'Toole management duo.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: threeinabed on June 07, 2018, 14:42:54 pm
the other players didn’t want him to leave ( he went in the end of season night out )


i think there is a very specific reason for this............


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Lukey on June 08, 2018, 00:31:37 am
A fine player in his day, surprised that like many other veterans he hasn't dabbled in the Conference north or Northern EvoStik league, personally feel he would have been the man to get Brackley promoted.

His experience will be great for our youngsters, I think we have a lot of ex players who may not make good managers but would be first class coaches.

L


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: meccanostand on June 08, 2018, 05:58:45 am
Such a presence at the club, can't see him being content with youth team coach role for long. Manager material definitely.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: defender on June 16, 2018, 14:30:36 pm
Such a presence at the club, can't see him being content with youth team coach role for long. Manager material definitely.
                May I ask just how do you know he would be a good coach?


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on June 16, 2018, 19:11:37 pm
                May I ask just how do you know he would be a good coach?

He doesn't


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest2487 on June 17, 2018, 13:52:49 pm
                May I ask just how do you know he would be a good coach?

Great question. "Manager material" on what basis.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: guest1269 on June 17, 2018, 18:34:32 pm
Great question. "Manager material" on what basis.

Based on attitude - you can have as many coaching badges as the FA can bestow on you but that doesn’t make the character of a good manager - when you see a player with leadership skills on the pitch a reasonable bet for a descent manager - take a look at JFH as a player - fantastic individual but never a leader and in hindsight never a manager


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Wolvo on June 18, 2018, 08:24:16 am
Based on attitude - you can have as many coaching badges as the FA can bestow on you but that doesn’t make the character of a good manager - when you see a player with leadership skills on the pitch a reasonable bet for a descent manager - take a look at JFH as a player - fantastic individual but never a leader and in hindsight never a manager

It's why Tony Adams, Roy Keane, Dennis Wise, Alan Shearer etc are all with top clubs.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on June 18, 2018, 09:01:14 am
It's why Tony Adams, Roy Keane, Dennis Wise, Alan Shearer etc are all with top clubs.

They aren't are they?


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Irchy cob on June 18, 2018, 09:14:39 am
They aren't are they?

I think he was being sarcastic - he’s pretty good at that.


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Deepcut Cobbler on June 18, 2018, 09:56:56 am
I think he was being sarcastic - he’s pretty good at that.

So am I...


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Wolvo on June 18, 2018, 11:52:07 am
I think he was being sarcastic - he’s pretty good at that.

Sorry, I use it as a coping mechanism  ;D


Title: Re: Marc Richards.
Post by: Irchy cob on June 18, 2018, 12:46:58 pm
Sorry, I use it as a coping mechanism  ;D

Join the club - I’m still smarting from that Red Lion/Sileby comment on the Sam foley thread!