Welcome everybody to episode 36 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. As I am putting together this introduction we are in the New Year and I wish all the listeners a Happy New Year and a safe 2020. As always I would like to sincerely thank all the interviewees, listeners and the soccer public of the Illawarra/Australia.

This episode's interviewee although not originally from the Illawarra has entrenched himself as part of the Illawarra footballing community over the past 30 years. Richard Lloyd developed his passion for football early on in his life playing junior football with Padstow Heights and Catherine Fields, supported by his parents.

In this junior period he began being selected in representative teams, which augmented his development. Noting in this time Richard had interaction with the Johnny Warren soccer academy and the Pele soccer camps, which added to his enthusiasm.

At the age of 17 Richard had a vocational decision to make and this brought him to the Illawarra with State League club Fairy Meadow Italia. From this point in time he has stayed in the Illawarra and in the late 1980s he was signed up by the Wollongong City Wolves in the NSL. He played at the Wolves for several NSL seasons amassing 164 appearances, forming a lot of positive relationships, gaining the respect of his coaches, team mates, opponents and the supporters.

After the Wolves Richard played successfully in the NSW state league and the Illawarra premier league. Once his playing career ended Richard started his coaching career initially with his family at Balgownie JSC and then onto other projects and Clubs. What is clear with Richard’s coaching career is that he is positive and has a player-centric focus. And amongst his words about players, coaching and the Wollongong Wolves it is clear Richard has an unyielding passion for the game and wants the best for the football people of the Illawarra.

I absolutely enjoyed interviewing Richard and he is a measured and valuable football asset for the region. My sincere respect and appreciation go out to Richard and his Family for allowing me into their home and giving me the time to speak with him. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I enjoyed interviewing Richard.