Dave was born in Wolverhampton on the 1st October 1896 but grew up in Lanarkshire.
His playing career began with Larkhall Thistle and he then moved south of the border in 1922 to join Port Vale. He returned to Scotland the following year to sign for Dundee United.
In 1925 Dave was transferred to Luton Town and made over 140 appearances for the Hatters until moving to Watford in 1931.
At the end of his playing career two years later, Dave was appointed QPR’s trainer.
At a Supporters Club meeting in 1936 at the Queen’s Park Congregational Hall on the Harrow Road, the Middlesex County Times reported that: ‘In his opening remarks, Mr Coster, after giving a hearty welcome to everyone present, particularly Mr Charles Buchan, the chief speaker, Mr Dave Richards, the soloist that evening and the many others officially connected with the club, made a brief summary of the Club’s activities since the inaugural meeting in December.
When they had taken their seats, the Variety Show concluded with some modern magic, and the meeting was treated to a short song recital by Mr Dave Richards, whose singing was also cheered to the echo.’
On 1st May 1937 the Halifax Evening Courier reported that: ‘Among the most accomplished musicians in the football world is Dave Richards, the Queen’s Park Rangers trainer.
He can play the piano, clarinet saxophone, organ, piccolo, violin, guitar and the piano-accordion.’
Obviously, a man of many talents, a 1937 match programme noted the following after a trip to Felixstowe: ‘I understand that a most happy company made the most of their time. Dave Richards proved the expert at Table Golf. His record of 13 strokes over nine holes was well chased but survived two days.’
When Dave moved to Chelmsford City in 1938, Stewart Calderwood replaced him as the Rangers trainer.
Dave later joined Walsall as a full-time professional masseur. Prior to that during the summer, he toured as masseur to the Indian cricket tourists.
Apparently in 1950 he was Brentford’s trainer.
Prior to his passing in Hammersmith on 25th June 1971, Dave was living at 25 Priory Gardens in Ealing.
Steve Russell
(Thanks to Colin Woodley and Peter Trott for their assistance. The above pic is from the 1937-38 Club Handbook)