Richard was born in Millom, Cumbria on 27th February 1952.
His career began at QPR as a schoolboy, before moving on to Walton & Hersham in 1970.
Richard signed pro-forms for the R’s in July 1973.
This appeared in Goal magazine in May 1974:
‘Richard Teale enjoyed his own bit of glory last season when he played in Walton & Hersham’s FA Amateur Cup success at Wembley.
When he was persuaded to switch to the professional ranks, he knew what he was up against.
Giant Phil Parkes was already established in the England squad, and there was a strong school of opinion that placed him above Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence in the international stakes.
Says Richard: “It’s a bit different for me. Forgetting Phil’s status in the game, I know I’ve got it all to do. I’m still learning the professional game.
Fortunately, Phil has been a great help to me, and we are good pals as well. But I’m just as ambitious as the rest of the lads, and I didn’t come into the game full-time to be a permanent reserve.”
Richard made his league debut for the R’s on 7th September 1974 at Loftus Road against Birmingham City.
After the game he said: “Now I know what First Division football is all about. Players are so sharp in the box. I went up for a corner, was pushed and Gallagher scored as I dropped the ball.”
His second and final first team appearance came shortly after in the League Cup tie against Orient.
Richard moved on to Fulham in August 1976 where he made five appearances before signing for Wimbledon a year later.
He went on to play for Slough Town before switching to Staines Town for the start of the 1981/82 season.
Richard briefly returned to Walton & Hersham in March 1983, and a few months later he moved on to Carshalton Athletic, where he eventually became reserve team manager.
He also took on the role as assistant manager at Staines Town.
A keen cricketer, he went on to run a building firm.
Richard sadly passed away on 8th June at the age of 74.
Rest in Peace.
Steve Russell