RICH REWARDS FOR RICHARDS

I know there are famous brothers all over the place and the Brownlees would stand out in Yorkshire, followed closely by the Roots and I guess there are successful sporting sisters too. I haven't researched that bit; somebody will tell me no doubt.

Locally Penistone Church FC is blessed with the Richards brothers. Ian teaches PE at the local senior school and is Assistant Principal. His brother Duncan is also a PE teacher in Huddersfield. Ian is the top man at PCFC with his brother a player and assistant manager. They are doing a good job.

Church were on an unbeaten run in the Toolstation North Counties East League Division One (Step 6), but recently dropped some points, leaving them second behind local rivals AFC Emley. This season, Church has surprised more established clubs such as one of the world's oldest clubs, Hallam FC and Brigg Town. With a game in hand PCFC are one point behind Emley, so look as though they might get promotion, all being well through the second half of the season.

As a semi-professional club, Church's players enjoy win bonuses and are not necessarily on a weekly salary. Ian boosts his teacher's wage with similar rewards from the success of his club.

In their eighth season with Church, the brothers have won promotion from local league football to the NCEL and after three years have had some success in the FA Cup and FA Vase, two competitions they enter with little hope of going very far, but they dream.

Ian played at Blackburn Rovers, Halifax, Belper Town and Stocksbridge PS and also spent a year in New Zealand, though his professional career was cut short by injury. Teaching is very much the "stable" employment for the boys whilst foootball is a satisfying release for both brothers. Having a hand in local schools benefits the club and one only has to look at John Stones, a local lad who went through the school system and there are many others will not go quite as far up the "Pyramid" as John,  but might boost Church's squad.

Promotion to the Premier Division of NCEL would cause the club a few pleasant headaches though, with new facilities having to be provided to match the requirements of the new place in the pyramid (Step 5). Investment will be needed at this ambitious club.

By the way, Paul Richards, their dad, is an "incomer" who has lived in the town for a long time. he supports Spurs and helps run the Walking Football group at PCFC. BTW Paul is just as competitive as his sons.