After coming through the youth team system at Crystal Palace it wasn’t long before this young Eagle was making his league debut against Reading aged just 19. The defender soon established himself as a first team regular in the late 80’s before going on to make 207 appearances for the Eagles. During his time at Selhurst Park he enjoyed an FA Cup final appearance in 1990 and won promotion to the Premier League in 1994.
After relegation with Palace in 1995, Shaw was sold to Coventry City for £1m where the formidable defender played over 350 games in over a decade at Highfield Road. During his time with the Sky Blues he did get included in an England squad but didn’t get capped at the Umbro Tournament in 1995.
In 2006, Shaw moved to Millwall and was named ‘player of the year’ in his first season. An accolade he picked up for each club he played for during his career.
90 seconds, 11 Q&A with Richard Shaw:-
1) Childhood team growing up? My dad was from Bermuda and knew Clyde Best …..hence the connection.
2) First pair of football boots owned? A pair of classic Puma Kings.
3) Did you have a nickname in the dressing room and how did you get it? Shoza … Ian Wright gave me that nickname at Palace and its stuck with me my whole career.
4) Favourite teammate? To many to mention but my centre back partners Chris Coleman at Crystal Palace and Paul Williams at Coventry City come to mind.
5) Toughest opponent? Far to many to mention .. Fowler, Owen, Zola, Bergkamp, Ginola, Klinsman, Yorke … but I’m going to go for Shearer.
6) Which player do you wish you’d had the chance to play with? I would love to have seen Diego Maradona play close up, a complete football genius.
7) Favourite football shirt you’ve played in? I liked the Coventry City 98’ kit and the Crystal Palace white adidas kit with the sash when I was a schoolboy at 15 (loved that kit).
8) Best stadium for atmosphere? Playing at Anfield was a great atmosphere, plus i grew up in a generation when Liverpool dominated and the Kop is iconic.
9) Biggest influence on your career? Alan Smith, my youth team manager at Crystal Palace was a father figure for me as my dad passed away when i was young. Steve Coppell and Gordon Strachan we’re huge influence’s as well.
10) Most prized possessions from your playing days? My most prized possessions are my memories and the friends I’ve made without doubt.
11) What keeps you busy these days? Working at Watford FC with the 21s & of course my family.
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