Non-League and Academy football writer

Brothers Isioma Richard and Noye Richard, currently play their football for FC Baresi, a side who play their football at step 6 of the FA pyramid, in The Thurlow Nunn League First Division South. Isioma is a versatile defender, with a great understanding of the game. From The Netherlands, Isioma can play in central defence, and also as a full-back/wing-back. He has great pace and real ability on the ball, as well as reading the game very well. Isioma was such an important player for FC Baresi during last season’s (2023/24) Essex Alliance Football League Senior Division title winning season. Formerly of Barking FC, before joining FC Baresi, Isioma would also start the early stages of the current 2024/25 season with FC Baresi, before joining Essex Senior League side Romford. However, he has since returned to FC Baresi, starting the last two games for them.

Isioma is such a good defender, winning so many of his duels on the pitch, but he is also so good on the ball, and at progressing it forward. He likes to take the ball forward at pace from defence, regardless of which position he is playing in. In one game against Barkingside (earlier on this season), a game in which Isioma started at wing-back, his skilful forward runs (with the ball) from defence, were outstanding. He will continue to be such an important player for FC Baresi, during the remaining matches of this season, and in the future as well. Also, Isioma’s younger brother Noye, is another very talented and highly skilful player. He has already featured for the club’s reserve side in the Essex Alliance Football League, during this season, but last Saturday would have been a very special day for both Noye and Isioma. As Noye came on as a late substitute (in the 75th minute) for FC Baresi’s first team, in their recent league fixture against Burnham Ramblers, joining his brother on the pitch. 

Noye is a highly skilful winger, who can also play as a wing-back, and he is also a player who has a real eye for goal. He has a really promising future in the game.