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Wolves legend 'overwhelmed' at city freedom honour

Charlotte Benton
BBC News, West Midlands
City of Wolverhampton Council An older man in a blue suit and white shirt, holding a scroll and a small gold medallion. He stands in a room with white patterned walls with a crest painted on them and tall windows, with flags on poles in front.City of Wolverhampton Council
John Richards said it was a "real privilege" to be part of Wolverhampton's community

Wolves legend John Richards said he was "a little overwhelmed" but it was a "real privilege" to be granted the freedom of Wolverhampton.

The 74-year-old spent most of his footballing career at Wolves, scoring 194 goals in 485 appearances from 1969 to 1983 and was nicknamed King John by fans.

He was awarded the freedom honour by the city council at the Civic Centre on Friday.

"I am a Lancastrian by birth but an adopted Wulfrunian and I've been connected with the city for more than half a century, I'm so proud to be part of this community", Richards said.

The City of Wolverhampton Council said he was recognised for his "outstanding" services to football alongside his commitment to the club's charitable foundation.

The freedom is the highest honour the council can award and is only given to "exceptional cases", a spokesperson for the authority added.

"I am aware of some of the people who have received this in the past so I am in esteemed company", Richards said.

Other city stars granted the honour including another former Wolves striker, Steve Bull, along with heptathlete Denise Lewis and singer and actor Beverley Knight.

City of Wolverhampton Council An older man in a blue suit and white shirt standing next to a lady in a red cloak with brown fur. The lady is wearing a gold medallion and between them they are holding a smaller gold medal. City of Wolverhampton Council
The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Linda Leach, said Richards was "truly deserving" of the honour

Richards won two League Cups with the club and also played in the first Uefa Cup final in 1972, which Wolves lost to Tottenham.

He remains the second highest scorer in the club's history with one of his most memorable goals being in the 1974 League Cup final.

That game marked his first at Wembley and he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City.

In Friday's ceremony he was presented with a scroll, badge and casket from the Mayor of Wolverhampton, councillor Linda Leach, who said Richards was a "superb ambassador" for the city.

Leach added that the 74-year-old continued to support former players and raise money for charity.

"He is truly deserving of this distinguished honour and on behalf of the people of Wolverhampton, I wish to thank him for all that he has done and continues to do for our city," she said.

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