Ian Richards (footballer)

Ian Richards

Ian Richards with Stocksbridge Park Steels
Personal information
Date of birth	(1979-10-05) 5 October 1979 (age 46)
Team information
Current team	Guiseley (manager)
Managerial career
Years	Team
2010–2021	Penistone Church
2021–2025	Stocksbridge Park Steels
2025–	Guiseley

Ian Richards (born 5 October 1979) ^[1] is an English former footballer. He is currently manager of Northern Premier League Premier Division club Guiseley.

Playing career

He began his career with Blackburn Rovers but failed to make the first team and moved on to Halifax Town, where he made 24 Football League appearances. ^[2] He has since gone on to play for non-league teams Belper Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels. ^[3]

Managerial career

In September 2021, following eleven years in charge of Penistone Church, Richards was appointed manager of Northern Premier League Division One East club Stocksbridge Park Steels. ^[4]

On 30 October 2025, Richards was appointed manager of Northern Premier League Premier Division club Guiseley. ^[5]

Personal life

Alongside his career in management, Richards held the role of vice-principle at Penistone Grammar School. ^[6]

References

1. "Ian Richards". Soccerbase. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
2. "Halifax Town: 1946/47–1992/93 & 1998/99–2001/02". Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database. Retrieved 19 December 2007.
3. "Ian Richards". Stocksbridge Park Steels F.C. Retrieved 19 December 2007.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
4. @parksteelsfc (9 September 2021). "BREAKING NEWS Ian Richards is appointed as the new Stocksbridge Park Steels manager! Andy Ring also returns to club as first team coach! More on the website" (Tweet). Retrieved 31 October 2025– via Twitter.
5. "Club Statement: First Team Managerial Appointment". guiseleyafc.co.uk. 30 October 2025. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
6. "Penistone face ex boss in semi after big league win". Barnsley Chronicle. 23 February 2024. Retrieved 31 October 2025.