Former Wolves striker ‘King’ John Richards has been given the Freedom of the City of Wolverhampton.
The Wolves legend said he was “honoured and a little overwhelmed” after being presented with a scroll, badge and casket when he met the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach, at a special lunch on Friday.
Freedom of the City is the highest honour the council can bestow and recognises those that represent the city with distinction.
The former striker was given the honour in recognition of his services to Wolves, the Former Wolves Players Association, and his community work
John said: “I am very honoured and a little overwhelmed but it is a real privilege. I am aware of some of the people who have received this in the past so I am in esteemed company.
“I am a Lancastrian by birth but an adopted Wulfrunian. I’ve been connected with the city for a long time – more than half a century, having come here as an 18-year-old almost 56 years ago.
“I’m so proud to be part of this community in Wolverhampton and representing the city and all of the positive things that are happening here right now.”
Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Leach said: “The word legend is banded about all too easily these days, but ‘King’ John Richards certainly fits the bill.
“He won two League Cups, scored an amazing 194 goals for Wolves in a career played entirely in the top flight of English football and remains the club’s second highest goalscorer of all time.
“Off the pitch he is a superb ambassador for our city, supports former players and their families, raises money for charity and continues to live locally.
“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.”
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.
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.
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 70s. His dedication to the Foundation has directly benefitted the residents of Wolverhampton.
John has joined 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 in being granted Freedom of the City of Wolverhampton.
