Sam Allardyce has added sports psychologist Lee Richardson to his backroom team.
42-year-old Richardson joins West Ham from Lancashire County Cricket Club with whom he has been employed since leaving Chesterfield back in 2008.A midfielder in his playing days - a career that spanned 10 clubs including Blackburn and Watford - Richardson went into management in 2007 when he was appointed manager of Chesterfield. However the Spireites decided against renewing his contract after he failed to achieve promotion from League Two in the 2008/09 season.
"I’m interested in Lee because he’s been a player, a coach and a manager who now has an honours degree," said Allardyce. "I believe what’s between our ears is important and it’s the first time I’ve found a psychologist with a proper football background."
Lancashire coach Peter Moores, who praised Richardson for his 'significant contribution' during his spell with Lancashire, added: "He impressed both me and Glen Chapple when we met him during the winter, and the same goes for the rest of the lads.
"The fact that he’s been there and done it in professional sport is a big help when it comes to relating to players and what they’re going through. He’s our sort of bloke, and he’s fitted in with what we’re trying to do really well."
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