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After two decades of playing soccer with several organizations throughout the United Kingdom and the United States, Richard Gough retired from the game in 2001.
The child of a Swedish mother and a Scottish professional footballer father, Richard Gough was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Soon after, the family moved to Johannesburg, South Africa. While being raised in South Africa, Richard Gough attended Highlands North, and he learned about geography, history, and sports. Particularly enthusiastic about soccer, Richard Gough enrolled at King Edward VII School, where he played for the Wits University Football Club. Wanting to become a professional soccer player, Richard Gough attempted to join the Rangers Football Club, a member of the Scottish Premier Division, but did not receive an offer. However, Richard Gough obtained a provisional contract with the Charlton Athletic Football Club. Richard Gough’s professional career began in 1980 when Dundee United hired him as its Captain and Central Defender. Spending 6 years with the team, Richard Gough won a League Championship in 1983, scored 40 goals, and played in 250 games. After a year with Tottenham Hotspur and going to the 1987 FA Cup Final, Richard Gough accepted an offer from the Rangers Football Club, becoming the first Scottish player signed for over one million pounds. During his 10 years with the football club, Richard Gough received 9 consecutive championships and recognition as Scottish Football Player of the Year. In this period, Richard Gough also played for the Scotland’s national football team, and he competed in international arenas. Leaving the United Kingdom in 1997, Richard Gough spent time with Major League Soccer in the United States aiding the Kansas City Wizards and San Jose Clash. Returning to Europe in 1998, Richard Gough played for Scottish Premier League football clubs Nottingham Forest and Everton, and he managed the Livingston Football Club for a year. Currently, Richard Gough divides his time as a professional sports reporter and freelance coach. Newspapers in the United Kingdom regularly publish Richard Gough’s articles on football, and channels, such as FOX Sports and ESPN, air Richard Gough’s pieces. As a Specialist Defensive Coach, Richard Gough contributes his expertise to soccer teams, such as the Los Angeles Galaxy. Living in Southern California, Richard Gough keeps in shape by playing various sports and training at Yoga Tropics to become a yoga instructor. Devoted to charitable organizations such as Operation Greyhound and Rancho Del Nino, Richard Gough relaxes by reading books about politics and history, as well as autobiographies.
Richard Gough's Companies
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Self Employed Sports Writer & Broadcaster
2001 - 2011
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
Writer & Broadcaster
Newspaper articles Radio & TV Interviews- commentating on football matches and players. Giving expert advice and opinions.
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Richard Gough's Publications
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Richard Gough on Operation Greyhound
March, 2011
After retiring from my professional soccer career, I relocated to San Diego to work in sports broadcasting and commentating. In addition to remaining active in athletic activities, I spend my free time working closely with several charities. As a supporter of Operation Greyhound, a nonprofit rescue organization based in San Diego, I volunteer to help the nonprofit in its mission to find homes for former racing greyhounds.
Although California is one of four states in America to ban greyhound racing, many of the 50,000 puppies bred every year are shipped across state lines. Only about 15,000 of these puppies become racing dogs: an estimated 15,000 are destroyed, while 20,000 are rescued from the racing industry. Since its inception more than 15 years ago, Operation Greyhound has found homes for more than 2,600 greyhounds in Southern California, where the organization can continue to provide support services. As part of the National Greyhound Adoption Network, Operation Greyhound also refers adoptees to qualified, responsible, and loving homes outside of the region, as well. Operation Greyhound can host up to 21 dogs in the organization’s El Cajon facility, including greyhounds with special needs who require foster homes. In addition to opening the facility seven days a week, the organization sponsors regular meet-and-greet events at locations around San Diego County, of which my wife is volunteer coordinator. Prospective families can also learn more about the dogs waiting for adoption on the Operation Greyhound website.
To support adoption efforts and provide care for the greyhounds, Operation Greyhound welcomes volunteers, funds, and supplies, such as vehicles or other necessary equipment. My wife and I both work to raise money and awareness in order to help retired racing greyhounds. I’m proud to contribute to this important cause. For more information about how to support Operation Greyhound or to adopt a greyhound, please visit www.operationgreyhound.com.
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