A steady unflamboyant Geordie left-back, overlooked by his hometown League club despite starring for Ferryhill’s Northern League championship team of 1958, Richie only needed a couple of chances to deputise for Willie Cunningham to develop an unshakeable grip on City’s No.3 shirt.
From April 18th 1960 to the end of February 1964 he never missed a match, shattering the then standing City record for consecutive League and Cup fitness through 194 games, including two FA Cup finals and City’s brief European adventure.
Richie wasn’t to miss many games over the next four seasons, either, playing in both League Cup Finals, and leaving an abiding impression of cheerful sportmansship.
After a brief stint with Peterborough United, Richie joined Ian King at Burton Albion, then succeeded him as player/manager there, and later took on coaching and training duties at Derby County, Northampton Town, Kettering Town and Northamptonshire CCC.
His friendship with Gordon Banks is said to have been special as the two met up at Leicester City. The two broke into the first team at the same time and both moving in from other places in England made them friends, room-mates on away travels and key players in a team brought together by Matt Gillies.
FACTFILE:
- Full Name: Richard Norman
- Position: Defender
- Date of Birth: 05.09.1935
- Birthplace: Newcastle upon Tyne
- Nation: England
- Caps / Goals: –
- Major League Career:
- 1959-68, Leicester City (303/2)
- 1968-69, Peterborough United (10/0)
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