Here you go Toonpents
Michael Richardson, an electrician with Newcastle City Council, has earned a professional contractFROM trainee sparky to Magpies’ whizzkid – teenager Michael Richardson is living his schoolboy dream.
Just six months ago the promising 18-year-old football star was an armchair Toon fan plying his trade as an electrician with Newcastle City Council.
Now, the youngster is warming the bench for Newcastle United after clinching a professional contract with Alan Pardew’s men.
Spotted by scout Brian Clark, Michael’s world was turned upside down when he was handed a contract with his favourite team.
He has already secured a spot on the bench against title contenders Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as being a substitute against Fulham.
Today, the Kenton School pupil, who lives in Kingston park with his parents, spoke of his rapid rise to stardom – and lifted the lid on his new footballing pals.
He said: “I was invited for a one-week trial and I signed at the start of the season. I’m a Newcastle fan and this is every little boy’s dream come true.
“I never expected to be on the bench that early but it’s incredible. There’s a lot of big personalities in the team.
“Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan, they’re great players and they’ve all been really supportive. It just shows that you are never too old!”
Michael was discovered as a fancy-footed midfielder with Walker Central FC where he played with the U18s and the senior squad.
In his first six months with United he has even won the praise of Toon legend Peter Beardsley. Now he’s hoping to break into the first team squad.
He is backed by his older brother Mark, 21, a joiner, his dad Stephen, 51 who works in Newcastle City Council’s transport department, and mam Lorraine, 47, who works at Boots in Kingston Park.
He said: “It’s crazy being on the pitch – I was watching the players from the stand last season and now I’m warming up with the team.
“My dad’s absolutely buzzing. He says when he goes to work everyone is always asking about me and when he goes to meetings everyone is saying how amazing it is that I’m warming up on the pitch.
“When I was given a contract it was incredible – I was over the moon. My friends and family were just buzzing.”
Michael trains mainly with the reserves, but over the last two months he has gone up against Premiership players from the first-team squad.
Now, he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Toon aces he once watched from the sideline.
He said: “The rest of players are nice too, there’s a great character between the group and they all get along and they pull together which helps to keep them where they are in the table. There’s a good chemistry.
“We are doing really well this season. In time I want a first team place, but for now I just want to keep playing well for the reserves.
“There’s a great atmosphere - there are a lot of big characters and no one is afraid to speak up and everyone listens to each other.
“I used to be an electrician and my old workmates still text me when there’s a game on. They can’t believe I’m playing for Newcastle United – it’s just unbelievable.”
Aye true! I hope it does all work out for him, having known what it's like to be on an apprentice wage he's going to take nothing for granted either!