After 20 years in football, Ben Richards-Everton has called time on his career, opening up on the mental and physical toll of persistent knee injuries and why stepping away was the right decision for his health and his family
Theo Mayer
20:58, 13 Feb 2026
Ben Richards-Everton
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Ben Richards-Everton(Image: Jamie Brain)
After 20 years in the game, Ben Richards-Everton admits “there were a few tears” as he steps away from football to prioritise his health and family.
The 34-year-old defender has decided to call time on his playing career, choosing to focus on what matters most after a prolonged battle with knee injuries.
“I've been managing it for the past three seasons now, which I've really struggled with mentally because these aren't things you can come out and say to fans or be proud of,” said Richards-Everton. “You just want to be fit and available for the manager and you want to do the best you can for your team and your teammates.
“I injured my knee while playing five-a-side football and I've had a history with that kind of injury. I think it opened up a new can of worms and it's never been the same since.”
He struggled towards the end of his spell at Yeovil Town before moving to Scunthorpe United. Eventually, he found a fresh start at Gloucester City.
“I finally settled in Gloucester; it was kind of a new leaf for me. I was really excited at the club and my knee was manageable at that point.”
Reflecting on his first spell at City, Richards-Everton described the frustration of being released due to injury concerns.
“In my first season, there were issues with the chairman at the time and he got rid of me because my knee issues started again. That was tough because it was out of the blue.”
He finished that season at Bromsgrove Sporting, returning to full fitness before receiving a call from manager Mike Cook.
“When Mike came in, he presented the opportunity to come back after relegation. There was only one place I wanted to go.
“It was a perfect opportunity for us to try and get promoted in a new league - a fresh start. That season I played every single game bar one and my knee was absolutely perfect.
“We got to the final that season and lost to AFC Totton, which was unfortunate because there wasn't really anything in the game.”
Following the playoff disappointment, Cook departed and former assistant manager Daf Williams was appointed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Richards-Everton spoke highly of Williams’ impact.
“Daf has been absolutely amazing with me. He’s managed me with professionalism and dedication. I’ve played for a lot of managers and he’s definitely one I can see going to the very top. The way he manages people is really good and that’s why he’s getting the best out of the players.”
After enjoying an injury-free campaign, the defender was eager to begin the new season under fresh leadership. But a week before the opener, his knee gave way again.
“It was the training session on the Thursday before our first game where it broke down, which was so frustrating.
“I was so excited to get stuck in. Everything was new and there was a good feel about the place. We started the season amazingly, which was great - but it was frustrating for me because I couldn’t play.
“I couldn’t add anything to the team other than in the changing room. You want to be on the pitch and adding value that way.
“That injury was pretty much the cherry on top. I came back after a month, broke down again and that was another month out, which I really struggled with mentally off the pitch.”
Beyond football, the toll became impossible to ignore.
“What people don’t see is not being able to take my kids to the park on a Sunday, take the dog for a walk or help my partner out. Things got the better of me in that sense.
“When I did come back, I was still getting swelling and couldn’t find any rhythm. I thought, that’s it - I have to look at my health and my family moving forward.”
Despite the difficult decision, Richards-Everton was full of gratitude for the support he received at Gloucester.
“The club have been brilliant with me. I don’t have a bad word to say about them. It was unfortunate how things ended the first time but we’re talking about different management now.
“They’ve supported me all the way. Daf was really sad and shocked at my decision because it kind of came out of nowhere but it’s something I’ve been struggling with mentally.
“When it starts to affect you mentally and off the pitch then you have a decision to make.”
His retirement was announced on the morning of Gloucester’s home fixture, where fans paid tribute before kick-off. Although initially unsure whether to attend, he was persuaded by his mother - a constant presence throughout his career.
“She’s followed my football career since I was 16 or 17. She’s always been the rock in my life, helping me through every stumble.
“Travelling seven hours to Scotland - Bradford, Accrington, anywhere in the country - she would come to see me.”
The defender admitted the tribute proved emotional.
“I’m not really a person who cries but there were a few tears. It was unbelievable. I can’t thank the fans enough - they’ve been brilliant with me and so understanding.”
Almost a week on from the announcement, Richards-Everton is embracing a different pace of life.
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“Retirement’s great, to be honest - which I didn’t think I’d be saying. I get to spend so much time with my family and do the little things I wasn’t able to do towards the back end of my career.
“It was difficult the first few days because it’s all I’ve known for 20 years. But it’s been on my mind for a while now.
“It’s good for me to be there for my children and be more present for my partner as well - we’re having our third child.”