What does it mean to be a member of the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history?
I feel extremely privileged to be named to the first roster in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s history. There is a huge love and passion for the beautiful game in this community, and I know that the Red Wolves will be a top club so I’m extremely honored to help them build a soccer powerhouse.
How would you describe your style of play?
Well, throughout my career I’ve been described as an attacking fullback—I really enjoy keeping the ball and going forward.
As an outside back, do you have a hard defensive mindset, the urge to get forward or a little mix of both?
As an outside back, I enjoy both sides of the game. My main job is to win all my defensive battles and help the rest of my teammates win theirs. However, whenever my team is in possession of the ball, I do enjoy getting forward to give my teammates another option to create chances.
When did you know soccer was what you wanted to pursue? Did you always want to be a professional footballer?
Growing up, I always played soccer along with cricket and track and field. When I was 12 years old I met a coach at my high school (we start high school at 7th grade in Jamaica) who in one session thought me more than I had already learned my entire life. It was that day that I fell in love with the game and decided that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.
Is there an iconic player that you’ve looked up to throughout your career?
In my early years I really admired Michael Essien. His work ethic, versatility and humility are traits that I could identify with.
What made a move to Chattanooga the right one for you at this point in your career?
I’ve been hearing about Chattanooga and how huge soccer is in the community for some time now. My mentor, Bill Elliot has been coaching the amateur team for a few years now, and I have two friends who know me well that moved here early last year. They had nothing but great things to say about the place and the people. After a visit at the end of my season and a few conversations with Sean and Coach Hankinson, I knew it was the place for me as both philosophies and ambitions aligned.
With 2019 being USL League One’s debut season, what are you most excited about? What are your expectations for the 2019 season?
I’m just excited to get going, to start something new, something great, to bring an entertaining brand of soccer to the fans. I’m looking forward to seeing all the young talent that the league will help to grow and push to further heights. I think everyone, clubs and fans alike, will be pleasantly surprised with the quality of play in 2019. It is going to be great!
How are you prepping for your time here?
For right now I am spending time with family and starting the first phase of my off-season training program. The plan is to steadily progress, so I can come into Chattanooga firing on all cylinders for the 2019 season.
You’re arriving from USL Championship’s OKC Energy FC, where you’ve spent the past two seasons. In fact, you’ve actually spent the past five seasons with teams in the USL—what makes USL competition different?
The USL is unique because it’s so competitive. There are so many quality players in the league every season. Any team can beat any team on any given day.
Favorite pregame song?
I really don’t have a favorite pregame song to be honest, I sort of just feed off my teammates’ energy going into a match. If there is no energy, then I try my best to bring it.
What are you most looking forward to about living in the “Scenic City?”
I’m really looking to enjoy the outdoors—I’ve heard so much about it. Fishing, hiking, swimming—I’m looking forward to all of it!
What is your favorite thing about your native Jamaica?
I love everything about Jamaica. The people, the food, the love, my family, all of it!
Favorite historic soccer moment?
My favorite historic soccer moment is scoring the winning goal in the conference final my freshman year at University of West Florida.
Richard is joining Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the club’s 2019 Inaugural Season. Keep up with Richard on Twitter and Instagram.
