Former England and Manchester City defender Micah Richards has taken on an unexpected new role, stepping in as co-manager of struggling Sunday League outfit Warley FC. The move comes as part of a grassroots initiative with Specsavers, documented in a new YouTube series.
Turning Around the 'Worst' Team
The Essex-based side, Warley FC, based in Brentwood, endured a torrid 2024/25 campaign. They lost 18 of their 20 matches, conceding a staggering 81 goals, a record that saw them dubbed Specsavers' 'Best Worst Team'. However, Richards, 37, made an immediate impact alongside manager Luke Armstrong. In his first match in the dugout, the team secured a 1-0 victory, matching their entire win tally from the previous season.
Richards' Dream Signing Snub
When asked by Mirror Football which former teammate he would sign for Warley in an ideal world, the Sky Sports pundit had a clear answer. Richards exclusively revealed: "Yaya Toure. He has pace, strength, skill and can finish." In doing so, he snubbed other City legends like Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero.
He provided a blunt explanation for his choice, stating, "Aguero’s not really going to run around is he?! Kompany’s not getting me goals. Big Yaya can do everything." Richards emphasised that for the challenges of Sunday League, a player who is both technically gifted and physically dominant is key, citing bobbly pitches and robust challenges.
Surprise at Warley's Attitude
Richards admitted he was positively surprised by the squad he inherited. He confessed to expecting the stereotypical Sunday League player—overweight and recovering from a night out—but found a completely different reality at Warley.
"Everyone was in shape and had a good attitude. We have some good technical players," Richards said. "I was thinking, 'How were you not winning?!'" He credited manager Luke Armstrong with bringing in some excellent new signings for the current season.
When the conversation turned to another former City teammate, the maverick Mario Balotelli, Richards was less convinced about his Sunday League suitability. While praising Balotelli's "unbelievable" talent on the ball, he concluded, "chucking him in Sunday League isn’t doing anyone any favours, not at all."
Despite the early success and enjoyment, Richards firmly ruled out a long-term future in management. "Not a chance. Managers have the hardest job in the world," he stated, citing the relentless preparation involved, even from his experience running a six-a-side team in the Baller League.
The entire journey is being captured in a twelve-part YouTube series. Fans can watch Warley FC's reaction to 'Big Meeks' arriving in the changing room in episode three, which is now available to stream.
