Richard Langley

Forever a student of the game, Harlesden-born Richard Langley’s recipe for success is simple: be honest with yourself, work hard, study the game.

EARLY LIFE

The English-born Jamaican international was raised in Brent, after his father, Michael Langley, and uncle, Alfred Langley, moved to London from Jamaica in the 1960s. Richard Langley was born in 1979 and from a young age was aware of the determined struggles of black players in this era of football. He witnessed the recurring difficulties his father and uncle received when trying to join local teams, and as a young player himself, tracked the noticeable absence in comparison to available talent of black players in top flight football. So persistent were the challenges, that Alfred and Mick Langley founded Learie Constantine Football Club in 1976, with friends Murray Armoury and Paul Kitson.

It’s impossible to overstate the significance of the first all-black team which trained out of Learie Constantine Centre in Willesden, offering a welcoming and trusted space for local residents, at a time when safety wasn’t guaranteed elsewhere. The Club was in such high demand that it grew from one to three teams.

As a young player in Queens Park Rangers’ youth structure, Richard Langley was grateful for the entrepreneurial ways of his father, and all of the players that opened doors for his future success.

Career highlights

Richard’s 12-year Football League career began with a professional contract at QPR in 1996. His first start on 4th November, 1998 produced his first goal, handing then-Manager Gerry Francis the win over Barnsley at Loftus Road. Over seven years with the West London Club, he made 133 appearances and scored 18 goals as an attacking midfielder, and delivered a career highlight in his final season, scoring a hat-trick in an away win over Blackpool. Through subsequent spells at Cardiff City, Luton Town, Bristol Rovers, Hemel Hempstead Town, and Staines Town, Richard racked up 287 total career appearances.

Five years into his professional career, Richard made his international debut for Jamaica, qualifying through his father’s side. He earned six caps for the Reggae Boyz while with QPR alone, and 11 more in the five years that followed.

Following his own advice, Richard Langley remains an honest and hard working ambassador of the game, and is a recognised advocate for tougher measures on racism in football.