Gloucester City defender Ben Richards-Everton has announced his retirement from professional football, citing ongoing personal and health reasons.
The 34-year-old made the decision public on Saturday morning, explaining that a recurring injury, which he has battled for several years, ultimately influenced his choice to step away from the game.
Richards-Everton initially joined the Tigers in 2023 but left briefly in March of the same season. He made a return in the summer of 2024 following Mike Cook’s appointment as manager, quickly reestablishing himself as a key figure in Gloucester City’s defensive line.
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City manager Daf Williams expressed deep gratitude for Richards-Everton’s contributions both on and off the pitch. “It’s genuinely heartbreaking,” Williams said. “But some things, like family and health, come first. We fully support his decision and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
Williams continued, “Since I arrived this summer, Ben has been incredible personally, and his professionalism has been a huge asset to the club over the years. We’re all devastated to see him go, but we respect that this is the right step for him at this point in his life and career. A huge thank you to Ben from all of us.”
To honor his time with the club, Gloucester City hosted a farewell event at the KMM Energy Stadium, giving Richards-Everton a chance to say goodbye to the fans and celebrate his impactful career.