Steve Richards

Steve Richards (born 6 June 1960) is a British TV presenter and chief political columnist for The Independent newspaper.

Early life

Richards was educated at Christ's College, formerly a state grammar school, in Finchley, North London, and graduated in History at the University of York in 1981 before securing a place on a journalism course at the London College of Printing.

Journalism career

He worked in local radio and regional TV in Newcastle before becoming a BBC political correspondent in 1990. In 1996 he became Political Editor for the New Statesman while continuing to present on radio and TV. In 2000 he became a political columnist at The Independent and Independent on Sunday.

Richards presented GMTV's The Sunday Programme, BBC Two's Despatch Box, BBC Radio 4's Week in Westminster and chairs a light-hearted quiz show on Radio 4, Parliamentary Questions. He is also a regular contributor to BBC News 24's Head 2 Head weekly debate programme. In addition, he also writes occasionally for the Evening Standard, has written and presented several films on Channel 4 and has presented Radio 4's What The Papers Say.

Steve Richards (footballer)

Steve Richards (born 24 October 1961 in Dundee) is a former Scottish professional footballer.

In August 1998 he succeeded Ernie Moss as manager of Gainsborough Trinity. He, along with his assistant Paul Olsson, resigned from the post on 7 October 1999 following the fall out from Trinity's FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Replay 2–1 defeat at home to Droylsden two days previously which saw Trinity players Mick Norbury and Neil Lacey sent-off: Lacey for a late tackle which caused the Droyslden bench to invade the pitch and Norbury after the final whistle.

In October 2000 he was appointed manager at Frickley Athletic with the club struggling at the foot of the Northern Premier League Premier Division with just six points from 14 league games. He subsequently guided the club to the First Round proper of the FA Cup as well as ensuring the club avoided relegation with a last day victory at Lancaster City giving the club 45 points from 44 matches.

In September 2001, following a run of eight games without a win, he resigned his post at Frickley Athletic, but wasted no time in finding a new club as he succeeded Peter Daniel as manager of Goole.