Richard Duffy
{{Short description|Welsh footballer (born 1985)}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Richard Duffy
| image = Richard Duffy.png
| caption = Duffy warming up for Port Vale in 2013
| fullname = Richard Michael Duffy{{Hugman|5510|accessdate=9 March 2017}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|8|30|df=y}}{{cite web |title=FootballSquads – Port Vale – 2015/2016 |url=http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2015-2016/fltwo/portv.htm |website=footballsquads.co.uk |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317092017/http://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/2015-2016/fltwo/portv.htm |url-status=dead }}
| birth_place = Swansea, Wales
| position = Defender
| currentclub = Congleton Town (player-manager)
| youthyears1 = 1994–2001|youthclubs1 = Swansea City
| years1 = 2001–2004|clubs1 = Swansea City | caps1 = 18| goals1 = 1
| years2 = 2004–2009|clubs2 = Portsmouth | caps2 = 1| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2004 |clubs3 = → Burnley (loan) | caps3 = 7| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2005 |clubs4 = → Coventry City (loan) | caps4 = 14| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2005–2006|clubs5 = → Coventry City (loan) | caps5 = 32| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2006 |clubs6 = → Coventry City (loan) | caps6 = 13| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2007 |clubs7 = → Swansea City (loan) | caps7 = 11| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2008 |clubs8 = → Coventry City (loan) | caps8 = 2| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2009 |clubs9 = Millwall | caps9 = 12| goals9 = 0
| years10 = 2009–2012|clubs10 = Exeter City | caps10 = 112| goals10 = 3
| years11 = 2012–2016|clubs11 = Port Vale | caps11 = 136| goals11 = 1
| years12 = 2016 |clubs12 = Eastleigh | caps12 = 0| goals12 = 0
| years13 = 2016–2019|clubs13 = Notts County | caps13 = 104| goals13 = 7
| years14 = 2019–2020|clubs14 = Kidsgrove Athletic| caps14 = 21| goals14 = 0
| years15 = 2021– |clubs15 = Congleton Town | caps15 = 15| goals15 = 3
| nationalyears1 = 2001–2002|nationalteam1 = Wales U17|nationalcaps1 = 4|nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2002–2003|nationalteam2 = Wales U19|nationalcaps2 = 3|nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2004–2006|nationalteam3 = Wales U21|nationalcaps3 = 7|nationalgoals3 = 0
| nationalyears4 = 2005–2008|nationalteam4 = Wales|nationalcaps4 = 13|nationalgoals4 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2021– | managerclubs1 = Congleton Town
}}
Richard Michael Duffy (born 30 August 1985) is a Welsh former professional footballer who is the player-manager at {{English football updater|CongletT}} club Congleton Town. A versatile player who can play either on the right or at the centre of defence, he won 13 caps for Wales between 2005 and 2008. He is the younger brother of Robert Duffy.
He began his career at Swansea City, making his debut as a 16-year-old in December 2001, before winning a six-figure sum move to Premier League side Portsmouth in January 2004. He never broke into the first-team picture at Fratton Park and instead enjoyed numerous loan moves at Burnley, Coventry City, and former club Swansea. He switched to Millwall in February 2009 before signing with Exeter City in July 2009. He joined Port Vale in July 2012 and helped the club to secure promotion out of League Two in 2012–13. He stayed at the club for four years before joining Notts County via Eastleigh in June 2016. He joined Kidsgrove Athletic in August 2019.
He began coaching at Congleton Town in May 2020 and was appointed as the club's manager 12 months later. Congleton won the Midland League Premier Division title and Midland League Cup at the end of the 2023–24 season.
Club career
=Swansea City=
Duffy began his career at Swansea City, making his senior debut under Colin Addison as a 16-year-old on 8 December 2001, in a 4–1 defeat to Macclesfield Town at Moss Rose; he was a 64th-minute substitute for Michael Howard.{{cite news|title=Macclesfield 4–1 Swansea|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/1695609.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 December 2001}} However, a bout of spondylosis in his lower back kept him out injured for over a year.{{cite web|title=Richard Duffy|url=http://www.swanseacity.net/page/ArchiveSpotlight/0,,10354~969905,00.html|publisher=Swansea City A.F.C.|access-date=15 July 2012}}
He returned to fitness at the start of the 2003–04 season and soon won a regular place in the first team. He scored his first career goal in a 3–0 home win over Macclesfield on 16 September.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/3106012.stm|title=Swansea 3–0 Macclesfield|publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 September 2003 |access-date=27 October 2009}} Despite only having played 18 Third Division games, the Wales youth international soon began to attract the attention of scouts from bigger clubs, and in January 2004 he was sold to Premier League side Portsmouth on a four-year contract for a six-figure sum (believed to be £300,000{{cite news|title=Duffy relishes harsh lesson|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/3729802.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 October 2004}}).{{cite news |title=Duffy completes Pompey switch |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/3422953.stm |publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 January 2004|access-date=15 July 2012}} He had forced through the move after rejecting Swansea's offer of a three-year contract,{{cite news|title=Duffy snubs Swans offer|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/3392929.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 January 2004}} despite manager Brian Flynn's insistence that he would remain at Vetch Field.{{cite news|title=Duffy heads for Pompey talks|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/3375869.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 January 2004}} Flynn also accused Portsmouth of trying to unsettle the youngster.{{cite news|title=Duffy blanks Pompey bid|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/3338639.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 December 2003}}
{{Blockquote|"The Swans have offered him a fresh deal but he hasn't signed anything and is entitled to speak to other clubs from 1 January. The club could take cash up front or gamble on getting more from the tribunal in terms of compensation because Richard is under the age of 24. Richard knows a move to Portsmouth would be a big lift for his full international prospects with Wales. Soccer can be a relatively short career – a bad injury has ended so many dreams too early. I'm telling Richard to be sensible, but also to make the most of any opportunities that come along."|Duffy's agent, Wayne Elsey, was keen on the move to Portsmouth.{{cite news|title=Pompey up Duffy stakes|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/3356657.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 December 2003}}}}
=Portsmouth=
Harry Redknapp handed Duffy his Premier League debut at Fratton Park on 1 May 2004, putting him on for Linvoy Primus 22 minutes into a 1–1 draw with Fulham.{{cite news|title=Portsmouth 1–1 Fulham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3655259.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 May 2004}} At the beginning of the 2004–05 season he was loaned out to Steve Cotterill's Burnley for four weeks.{{cite news |title=Burnley borrow Duffy |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burnley/3686726.stm |publisher=BBC Sport|date=24 September 2004|access-date=15 July 2012}} He gained much admiration from the Burnley fans for his excellent performances, and the loan deal was extended into another month.{{cite news|title=Duffy extends Burnley loan spell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/burnley/3952767.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 October 2004}} He scored in the "Clarets" 2–1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3967375.stm|title=Leeds 1–2 Burnley |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2004 |access-date=27 October 2009}} The young Welshman spent some of his loan spell at Turf Moor playing as a right-winger. He joined fellow Championship side Coventry City on a three-month loan in January 2005, becoming Micky Adams's first signing at Highfield Road.{{cite news |title=Adams signs Portsmouth defender |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/4208653.stm |publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 January 2005|access-date=15 July 2012}} He played 15 games for the "Sky Blues", helping the club to narrowly avoid relegation.
He spent the entirety of the 2005–06 season on loan at Coventry City.{{cite news|title=Duffy joins Coventry for season|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/4070876.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 June 2005}} He made 34 appearances at the club, helping Coventry to a respectable eighth-place finish. He was also handed a new contract with Portsmouth in March 2006, causing Coventry boss Micky Adams to snipe, "I am sure it will be nice playing in their reserves."{{cite news|title=Duffy agrees new Portsmouth deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/4812534.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 March 2006}} In October 2006, he was loaned to Coventry for the third time, in a deal which was extended until 1 January 2007.{{cite news|title=Duffy & Clarke extend loan deals|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/6170666.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 November 2006}} This followed the collapse of an expected loan move to Queens Park Rangers.{{cite news|title=Duffy's Coventry return now off|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/6063946.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 October 2006}} He played 13 games before returning to the South coast. On 10 January, a loan to former club Swansea City was agreed until the end of the 2006–07 season.{{cite news |title=Swansea secure Duffy from Pompey |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/6247955.stm |publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 January 2007|access-date=15 July 2012}} He featured in 11 League One games for the "Swans", falling somewhat out of favour after manager Kenny Jackett was replaced by Roberto Martínez.
In March 2008, Duffy rejoined Coventry City for the fourth time on loan until the end of the 2007–08 season.{{cite news|title=Fourth City loan for Duffy|url=http://www.ccfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10269~1271058,00.html|publisher=CCFC official website|date=21 March 2008|access-date=15 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512013101/http://www.ccfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10269~1271058,00.html|archive-date=12 May 2008|url-status=dead}} However, he tore a thigh muscle the following month, and was sidelined for the rest of the season.{{cite news|title=Duffy set to miss rest of season|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/7340631.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2008}} He was told he was free to leave Portsmouth in January 2009, having started just the one game for "Pompey" in five years.{{cite news|title=Pompey will allow Duffy to leave|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/7807161.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 January 2009}}
=Millwall=
In February 2009, Duffy joined Kenny Jackett's Millwall on a contract until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Millwall snap up defender Duffy|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/7865803.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 February 2009}} He played 12 League One games for the "Lions", but was one of ten players released from The Den in May 2009.{{cite news|title=Jackett releases 10 in Lions cull|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/8069275.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 May 2009}}
=Exeter City=
In July 2009, Duffy signed for newly-promoted League One side Exeter City.{{cite news|title=Welsh defender signs for Grecians|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/e/exeter_city/8165109.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 July 2009}} He made 44 appearances in the 2009–10 season, picking up a total of 12 yellow cards during the campaign. He made 50 appearances in 2010–11. He again helped Paul Tisdale's side to exceed expectations by finishing just three points outside the play-offs. Duffy signed a new one-year contract with the "Grecians" in May 2011.{{cite news|title=Richard Duffy gets new Exeter City deal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13484558|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 May 2011}} Despite injury concerns, he remained a key player at St James Park in 2011–12, as he played 34 games; despite his efforts the club suffered relegation in 23rd place.
=Port Vale=
Duffy signed a two-year contract with League Two side Port Vale in July 2012; this move reunited him with former Coventry boss Micky Adams.{{cite news|title=Port Vale sign Richard Duffy, Chris Neal and David Artell|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18737694|access-date=12 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 July 2012}} He admitted that having Micky Adams as his manager was the main reason he chose to come to Vale Park.{{cite news|title=Duffy delighted to link up with old boss Adams again|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Duffy-delighted-link-old-boss-Adams/story-16497159-detail/story.html|access-date=15 July 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=7 July 2012}} He replaced Adam Yates as Vale's preferred right-back at the start of the 2012–13 season, but struggled when he was tried out at centre-back in the Football League Trophy.{{cite news|title=Match stats v Walsall|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Match-stats-v-Walsall/story-17061774-detail/story.html|access-date=10 October 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=10 October 2012}} Vale were promoted at the end of the 2012–13 season, with Duffy putting in 39 appearances.
Duffy returned to the centre-half role alongside Chris Robertson in the 2013–14 season after Liam Chilvers was taken ill in mid-November.{{cite news|title=Page delighted with vocal Duffy|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Page-delighted-vocal-Duffy/story-20320225-detail/story.html|access-date=15 December 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=14 December 2013|archive-date=18 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218150834/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Page-delighted-vocal-Duffy/story-20320225-detail/story.html|url-status=dead}} He went on to finish the campaign with 30 appearances to his name, helping the club to a ninth-place finish in League One. He signed a new two-year contract in June 2014.{{cite news|title=Port Vale defender signs new two-year contract|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27832336|access-date=13 June 2014|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 June 2014}}
He started the 2014–15 season in a centre-back partnership with Ryan McGivern.{{cite news|title=Rob Page delighted with new boy Ryan McGivern|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Rob-Page-delighted-new-boy-Ryan/story-22799414-detail/story.html|access-date=22 August 2014|work=The Sentinel|date=22 August 2014|archive-date=22 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822140623/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Rob-Page-delighted-new-boy-Ryan/story-22799414-detail/story.html|url-status=dead}} He played a total of 29 games throughout the campaign. He started the 2015–16 season competing with Ryan Inniss and Remie Streete for one of two available centre-back places.{{cite news|title=Competition keeps us on our toes, says defender Ryan Inniss|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale/story-27618343-detail/story.html|access-date=17 August 2015|work=The Sentinel|date=17 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818125136/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale/story-27618343-detail/story.html|archive-date=18 August 2015}} He impressed manager Rob Page, who praised his organisation skills and fitness levels.{{cite news|title=Richard Duffy could be key man for six more seasons, says Rob Page|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Richard-Duffy-key-man-seasons-says-Rob/story-27737116-detail/story.html|access-date=5 September 2015|work=The Sentinel|date=5 September 2015|archive-date=19 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919183010/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-Richard-Duffy-key-man-seasons-says-Rob/story-27737116-detail/story.html|url-status=dead}} His consistency meant that he went on to establish himself as the established centre-back alongside one of Inniss, Streete and McGivern.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=Rochdale 2, Port Vale 1: Star man and player rating|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Rochdale-2-Port-Vale-1-Star-man-player-ratings/story-28263053-detail/story.html|access-date=29 November 2015|work=The Sentinel|date=29 November 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208053417/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Rochdale-2-Port-Vale-1-Star-man-player-ratings/story-28263053-detail/story.html|url-status=dead}} In February he stated that he hoped to win a new contract in the summer and that he was "in a good place with my family. I'm settled here".{{cite news|title=Richard Duffy: Port Vale defender keen to sign new contract|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35385084|access-date=8 February 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 February 2016}}
=Notts County=
On 27 May 2016, Duffy rejected a new contract at Port Vale and dropped down two divisions to sign a two-year contract with National League club Eastleigh; manager Chris Todd described him as "one of my top targets this summer".{{cite news|title=Eastleigh seal major signing as Richard Duffy signs on|url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/14521095.Eastleigh_pull_off_major_signing/|access-date=27 May 2016|work=Southern Daily Echo|date=27 May 2016}} However, four weeks later he had his contract with Eastleigh cancelled so that he could sign a one-year contract with League Two club Notts County.{{cite news|title=Richard Duffy joins Notts County after a month at Eastleigh|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36641989|access-date=27 June 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 June 2016}} He made 47 appearances across the 2016–17 campaign. In February 2017 he had an appearance-based contract extension clause removed from his contract so that he would be available for selection under new manager Kevin Nolan.{{cite news|last1=Pallatt|first1=James|title=Richard Duffy puts Notts County cause ahead of contract clause, reveals Kevin Nolan|url=http://www.nottinghampost.com/richard-duffy-puts-notts-county-cause-ahead-of-contract-clause-reveals-kevin-nolan/story-30125011-detail/story.html|access-date=11 May 2017|work=Nottingham Post|date=9 February 2017|language=en}}{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Later that month Nolan stated that "he's probably been our best player all season".{{cite news|last1=Curtis|first1=Leigh|title=Duffy will be a big loss to Notts County, says boss Kevin Nolan|url=http://www.nottinghampost.com/outstanding-richard-duffy-will-be-big-loss-to-notts-county-says-boss-kevin-nolan/story-30159344-detail/story.html|access-date=11 May 2017|work=Nottingham Post|date=23 February 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223231243/http://www.nottinghampost.com/outstanding-richard-duffy-will-be-big-loss-to-notts-county-says-boss-kevin-nolan/story-30159344-detail/story.html|archive-date=23 February 2017|url-status=dead}} The next month was included in the EFL Team of the Week after making a "brilliant last-ditch block" to deny Wycombe Wanderers an equalising goal in a 1–0 win.{{cite news |last1=Butcher |first1=Alex |title=Sky Bet EFL: Team of the Week |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2017/march/sky-bet-efl-team-of-the-week4/ |access-date=9 October 2019 |work=efl.com |date=27 March 2017 |language=en-gb}}
On 6 February 2018, he played his former club, Swansea City, in the FA Cup, which ended in an 8–1 defeat.{{cite news|last1=Curtis|first1=Leigh|title=Playing against boyhood club will not affect my professionalism – Duffy|url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/notts-county-defender-richard-duffy-1116485|access-date=10 May 2018|work=Nottingham Post|date=25 January 2018}} Nevertheless, he scored two goals in 43 league appearances to help the "Magpies" to qualify for the play-offs at the end of the 2017–18 campaign. He also filled in as captain during absences by Michael O'Connor and the Nottingham Post reported that he had an "outstanding season".{{cite news|last1=Curtis|first1=Leigh|title=Duffy can feel immensely proud of the job he has done as Notts County captain|url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/sport-opinion/richard-duffy-can-feel-immensely-1437078|access-date=10 May 2018|work=Nottingham Post|date=10 April 2018}} He was offered new contract by Notts County at the end of the 2017–18 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44216750|title=Notts County: Shola Ameobi and Alan Smith leave League Two club|date=22 May 2018|access-date=24 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} He missed three months at the start of the 2018–19 season with a hamstring injury.{{cite news |last1=Curtis |first1=Leigh |title=Duffy returns as boss Kewell gives an update on Hall |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/richard-duffy-returns-boost-notts-2150656 |access-date=14 May 2019 |work=Nottingham Post |date=26 October 2018}} Speaking in April, manager Neal Ardley stated that "he has been excellent [and] he has been part of the reason why we have looked solid at the back".{{cite news |last1=Leach |first1=Tom |title=Ardley sweating on Duffy ahead of Good Friday clash |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/football-news/neal-ardley-left-sweating-over-2761880 |access-date=14 May 2019 |work=Nottingham Post |date=15 April 2019}} County were relegated at the end of the campaign, ending a 131-year stay in the Football League.{{cite news |title=Notts County: League Two relegation robs Magpies of their identity |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48148785 |access-date=14 May 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 May 2019}} He was released by Notts County at the end of the 2018–19 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48312832|title=Notts County: Jon Stead and David Vaughan among 12 released|date=17 May 2019|access-date=20 May 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}
=Kidsgrove Athletic=
On 21 August 2019, Duffy joined Northern Premier League Division One South East club Kidsgrove Athletic.{{cite news |title=Kidsgrove Athletic signs Richard Duffy |url=https://www.kidsgroveathleticfc.com/news/kidsgrove-athletic-signs-richard-duffy-2456273.html |access-date=22 August 2019 |work=kidsgroveathleticfc.com |date=21 August 2019 |language=en |archive-date=22 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822163222/https://www.kidsgroveathleticfc.com/news/kidsgrove-athletic-signs-richard-duffy-2456273.html |url-status=usurped }} Manager Ryan Austin said that "he brings real quality to our squad as well as vast experience. We've been looking for a leader, and an organiser for a long time and, Rich fits that role perfectly".{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Michael |title="He brings real quality" – Kidsgrove Athletic sign former Port Vale defender |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/richard-duffy-port-vale-kidsgrove-3237343 |access-date=22 August 2019 |work=Stoke Sentinel |date=22 August 2019}} The 2019–20 season was formally abandoned on 26 March, with all results from the season being expunged, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England.{{cite web |title=Coronavirus: All football below National League to end |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52052351 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=26 March 2020 |date=26 March 2020}}
International career
Duffy won four caps for the Wales under-17 team, three caps for the under-19 side, as well as seven caps for the under-21s.
Duffy made his full international debut for Wales at the Liberty Stadium in a goalless draw with Slovenia on 17 August 2005.{{cite news|title=Wales 0–0 Slovenia|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4142458.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 August 2005}} Manager John Toshack predicted a bright future for the young defender.{{cite news|title=Toshack thrilled by Wales youth|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4141888.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2005}} He then played in a 1–0 defeat to England on 3 September 2005,{{cite news|title=Wales 0–1 England|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4199592.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 September 2005}} and was said to have "acquitted himself well on the right".{{cite news|title=Player ratings|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4211296.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 September 2005}} He further played against Poland four days later, and gave away a penalty for a foul on Kamil Kosowski, which was converted for the only goal of the game.{{cite news|title=Poland 1–0 Wales|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4220412.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 September 2005}}
He featured as a substitute in a 3–2 win over Northern Ireland on 8 October 2005,{{cite news|title=N Ireland 2–3 Wales|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4322378.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 October 2005}} and in a BBC report was marked 7 out of 10 for his "faultless display" and was noted as having "made some crucial clearances under heavy pressure".{{cite news|title=N Ireland & Wales player ratings|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4322084.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 October 2005}} Coming on as a second-half substitute in a goalless draw with Bulgaria on 15 August 2006, he was described as "impressive" in a BBC report.{{cite news|title=Wales 0–0 Bulgaria|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/4788581.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 August 2006}} He played 64 minutes of a 2–0 loss to Brazil on 5 September 2006.{{cite news|title=Brazil 2–0 Wales|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/5310330.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 September 2006}} He later played in the 5–1 defeat to Slovakia on 7 October 2006.{{cite news|last=Davies|first=Sean|title=Wales 1–5 Slovakia|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/5361822.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 October 2006}} He also played the first half of a 4–0 friendly win over Liechtenstein on 14 November 2006.{{cite news|title=Wales 4–0 Liechtenstein|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6119190.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 November 2006}}
He was dropped from the squad in May 2007,{{cite news|title=Toshack warns his Wales discards|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6680599.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=22 May 2007}} but made a return in March 2008 for the friendly encounter with Luxembourg.{{cite news|title=Key players out of Wales friendly|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7299657.stm|access-date=15 July 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 March 2008}} In total he won 13 caps for his country in a three-year international career.
Style of play
Duffy could operate as a right-back or at the centre of defence. A player with good leadership skills, he described himself as "a ball-playing centre-half" and has said that "I like to play, not just hump it, and I'm a good communicator too."{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Mike|title=What Tom Pope would get his team mates for Christmas|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-vale-Tom-Pope-team-mates-Christmas/story-25771889-detail/story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228164931/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-vale-Tom-Pope-team-mates-Christmas/story-25771889-detail/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 December 2014|access-date=28 December 2014|work=The Sentinel|date=27 December 2014}}
Managerial career
In May 2020, Duffy was appointed as assistant manager to Ryan Austin at North West Counties League Premier Division side Congleton Town.{{cite news |title=Ex-Wales defender Duffy set for Congleton Town role {{!}} Non League Daily |url=https://nonleaguedaily.com/ex-wales-defender-duffy-set-for-congleton-town-role/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506220854/https://nonleaguedaily.com/ex-wales-defender-duffy-set-for-congleton-town-role/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=6 May 2020 |access-date=2 September 2020 |work=nonleaguedaily.com |date=1 May 2020}} He succeeded Austin as manager on 24 May 2021, who resigned for personal reasons.{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Richard |title=Congleton Town manager Ryan Austin steps down to be replaced by Richard Duffy |url=http://moorlandsradio.co.uk/congleton-town-manager-ryan-austin-steps-down-to-be-replaced-by-richard-duffy |access-date=2 June 2021 |work=Moorlands Radio |date=2021-05-24}} Duffy also registered as a player. Congleton were crowned Midland League Premier Division champions at the end of the 2023–24 season.{{Cite news |date=11 April 2024 |last=McLaughlin|first=Mike|title=Bears are Midland League champions|department={{sic|?|NON-LEAUGE}} football round up|page=34 |newspaper=Congleton Chronicle}}{{Cite news |date=18 April 2024 |last=Mattison|first=Katie|title=Bears' success 'a big positive' for Congleton|page=Front Page |newspaper=Congleton Chronicle}} Congleton also beat Highgate United 5–1 in the Midland League Cup final.{{cite web |title=Midland Football League |url=https://fulltime.thefa.com/displayFixture.html?id=26332882 |website=The FA |access-date=8 May 2024}}
Personal life
Duffy admitted driving under the influence in January 2011 after a "silly mistake" following a meal out with friends; he was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £700.{{cite news|title=City star Richard Duffy says sorry for drink-driving|url=http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/City-star-says-sorry-drink-drive-ban/story-11717504-detail/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505102309/http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/City-star-says-sorry-drink-drive-ban/story-11717504-detail/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|access-date=15 July 2012|newspaper=Echo|date=26 January 2011}} He pledged his support to an Exeter based anti-drink-driving campaign and said that "I can only apologise for my actions. It was the first time I have done this and it will be the last. As a role model, especially to young people, this is not an example I should be setting... It just goes to prove that you can never be sure if you take a risk. I hope people reading this will heed the warning."
Career statistics
=Club=
{{notelist}}
=International=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year{{NFT player|12038|accessdate=10 July 2016}} | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="4"|Wales
|2005 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2006 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 1 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 13 | 0 |
Honours
=Playing=
=Managerial=
Congleton Town
- Midland League Premier Division: 2023–24{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Vale injury news and talking points ahead of Exeter |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/vale-injury-news-and-talking-points |access-date=13 April 2024 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=12 April 2024}}
- Midland League Cup: 2024
References
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Duffy, Richard}}
Category:Footballers from Swansea
Category:Welsh men's footballers
Category:21st-century Welsh sportsmen
Category:Wales men's youth international footballers
Category:Wales men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Wales men's international footballers
Category:Men's association football fullbacks
Category:Swansea City A.F.C. players
Category:Portsmouth F.C. players
Category:Exeter City F.C. players
Category:Millwall F.C. players
Category:Coventry City F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Eastleigh F.C. players
Category:Notts County F.C. players
Category:Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. players
Category:Congleton Town F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:Northern Premier League players
Category:North West Counties Football League players
Category:Midland Football League players
Category:Welsh football coaches