When you think of the great players of the 1980s and 1990s, Kevin Richardson would probably not be near the top of the list but he had a remarkable career winning the Division One title with Everton and Arsenal as well as the League Cup with Aston Villa.
Though a Geordie by birth, Richardson joined Everton in 1978, turning professional in 1980. He was a key member of the side Howard Kendall developed during the 80s, winning the FA Cup against Watford in 1984 and acting as a reliable stand-in during the momentous 1984-85 season when the Blues won the League title and the European Cup-Winners' Cup.
However, early in the following season he was transferred to Watford where he caught the eye of Arsenal boss George Graham. During the Gunners' title winning season of 1988-89, he scored in a 3-1 win at Goodison against his old team which consolidated the club's position at the top of the table and he was heavily involved in the dramatic decider against Liverpool at Anfield, breaking up a home side attack in injury time which led to Michael Thomas' famous goal.
Twelve months later, though, Richardson moved on to Real Sociedad for a brief spell before being enticed back to England by Aston Villa manager Ron Atkinson. He became Villa captain and won the Man Of The Match award in the 1994 League Cup Final success over Manchester United, as well as gaining his only England cap.
He wasn't the most high profile of players but Kevin Richardson had a football career many more well-known names of that era would have been proud of.