RAF FA announces Tom Richardson as the next head coach of U23s

Prominent coach and former player Flight Sergeant Tom Richardson is set to become the next manager of the Royal Air Force U23s football team, the RAF FA has announced.

He will take over the role from incumbent manager Sergeant Danny Bartley after the U23s Inter Services Championships in February and the President's Cup clash against the Dutch Air Force in May.

Flt Sgt Richardson has 17 years of experience as a player, analyst and coach for the RAF FA.

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He most notably played a key part in Andy Kuchta's coaching staff who helped lead the RAF senior men's team to back-to-back Inter Services titles in 2022 and 2023.

In the official announcement, Flt Sgt Richardson said that it's a "privilege" to take on the role of managing a representative team.

He said: "I look forward to working with the players and my backroom staff and I will be working hard to ensure that the Men's Development Side continues to provide the pathway to the Senior Representative Team for players and staff alike.

"I look forward to working closely with Senior Representative Team manager Chris Hamilton too, who I respect hugely and am sure he will have a successful tenure.

"It is a privilege to manage a representative team, and I will ensure that my staff and I give everything to ensure continued success in future years."