Where are they now?

Full back Richardson initially signed on loan for the Seasiders from Bolton. In July 2003 Leam put pen to paper on a permanent deal at Blackpool.

Under Steve McMahon the defender produced some impressive displays at right back. Perhaps Leam`s best moment in Tangerine came in an FA Cup tie at Oldham. Richardson scored his only Blackpool goal in this thumping win – and it was a special one to. Controlling the ball on his chest some thirty yards out, right of centre, Richardson hammered a scorching volley into the top corner to put the icing on the cake in a 5 – 2 win.

Richardson was also in the Pool side which beat Southend 2 – 0 in the LDV Vans Trophy final at the Millennium stadium in 2004.

In August 2005 the defender was allowed to leave Bloomfield road to link up with Accrington Stanley. In his first season with John Coleman`s men, Leam helped Accy to promotion to the football league for the first time.

Now in his third season with the League 2 club, Richardson generally finds himself in the left back berth, despite being predominantly right – footed.

The 28 year old has a familiar face alongside him in the backline at Accrington – Phil Doughty recently completed a loan move to Stanley.

Richardson`s main disadvantage was, and surely still is, his height. Leam is well below six foot and was often caught out in the air in his time at Bloomfield Road. But Leam was always an honest, whole – hearted player in his Pool days – and I for one could never fault his commitment to the cause.

Let`s hope Leam, and Accrington, have a bright future in the football league.