Saddened to hear the news about Howard Riley having passed away on the 8th of January. He was 87 years of age. Riley played for Leicester for 10 years, from 1955 to 1965. He played in both the 1961 and 1963 FA Cup finals. In 1964, he scored, helping Leicester to win the League Cup.
He was capped at U.23 level for England. He made his debut in 1958 vs. Wales, 1-0 win, goalscorer Brian Clough. Jimmy Greaves was also in the starting line-up alongside Howard Riley. He was the first ever player to represent Leicester at this level. In his second outing also against Wales three years later in 1961. Leicester had two players in the team that evening, Gordon Banks was in goal. Bobby Moore scored one of the goals in a 2-0 win.
Howard Riley played a total of 233 competitive games for Leicester. This was 193 League games, 24 in the FA Cup, 12 in League Cup and 4 European Cup games. A total of 47 goals scored.
He made a decision to go part time in 1965, he eventually lost his place in the first team. He later admitted he regretted this decision. It was too early to do so at the age of 27. He had several years in front as a first team player at Leicester. From his part time period at Leicester, he studied to become a teacher. He left Leicester in December 1965, moved to play at a lower league level with Walsall. There, he partnered up with Allan Clarke.
Strangely this move to Walsall opened up a chance to move to America. As a pioneer of the NASL he joined Atlanta Chiefs. This was in 1967. He left after a year. Then he became a nomad of the lower leagues. He represented Barrow, Rugby Town, Burton Albion, Ibstock, Penistone Rovers and Midland Athletic. He finally ended up at Wigston in the Leicester area, where he started his life as a footballer.
It is with immense sadness we learned that legendary winger, Howard Riley, has passed away at the age of 87.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 10, 2026
Howard was an Ice King with over 200 appearances and the scorer of the decisive goal in the 1964 League Cup Final.
Rest in peace, Howard 💙
His time at Leicester was unforgettable. He played in teams at club and international level with some of the most iconic players in football history.
Howard Riley later became manager of Wigston Town, working on as a teacher until his retirement. He often attended games at Filbert Street and King Power, following Leicester all along until his last days.
Sad to see another of the Leicester ever greats passing. RIP, Howard Riley!
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