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Richard Duffy
Richard Duffy
from Wikipedia

Richard Michael Duffy (born 30 August 1985) is a Welsh former professional footballer who is the player-manager at Northern Premier League Division One West 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.

Key Information

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

[edit]

Swansea City

[edit]

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.[4] However, a bout of spondylosis in his lower back kept him out injured for over a year.[5]

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.[6] 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[7]).[8] He had forced through the move after rejecting Swansea's offer of a three-year contract,[9] despite manager Brian Flynn's insistence that he would remain at Vetch Field.[10] Flynn also accused Portsmouth of trying to unsettle the youngster.[11]

"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.[12]

Portsmouth

[edit]

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.[13] At the beginning of the 2004–05 season he was loaned out to Steve Cotterill's Burnley for four weeks.[14] He gained much admiration from the Burnley fans for his excellent performances, and the loan deal was extended into another month.[15] He scored in the "Clarets" 2–1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18] 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."[19] In October 2006, he was loaned to Coventry for the third time, in a deal which was extended until 1 January 2007.[20] This followed the collapse of an expected loan move to Queens Park Rangers.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23] However, he tore a thigh muscle the following month, and was sidelined for the rest of the season.[24] He was told he was free to leave Portsmouth in January 2009, having started just the one game for "Pompey" in five years.[25]

Millwall

[edit]

In February 2009, Duffy joined Kenny Jackett's Millwall on a contract until the end of the season.[26] He played 12 League One games for the "Lions", but was one of ten players released from The Den in May 2009.[27]

Exeter City

[edit]

In July 2009, Duffy signed for newly-promoted League One side Exeter City.[28] 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.[29] 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

[edit]

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.[30] He admitted that having Micky Adams as his manager was the main reason he chose to come to Vale Park.[31] 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.[32] 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.[33] 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.[34]

He started the 2014–15 season in a centre-back partnership with Ryan McGivern.[35] 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.[36] He impressed manager Rob Page, who praised his organisation skills and fitness levels.[37] His consistency meant that he went on to establish himself as the established centre-back alongside one of Inniss, Streete and McGivern.[38] 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".[39]

Notts County

[edit]

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".[40] 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.[41] He made 47 appearances across the 2016–17 campaign.[42] 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.[43] Later that month Nolan stated that "he's probably been our best player all season".[44] 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.[45]

On 6 February 2018, he played his former club, Swansea City, in the FA Cup, which ended in an 8–1 defeat.[46] 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".[47] He was offered new contract by Notts County at the end of the 2017–18 season.[48] He missed three months at the start of the 2018–19 season with a hamstring injury.[49] 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".[50] County were relegated at the end of the campaign, ending a 131-year stay in the Football League.[51] He was released by Notts County at the end of the 2018–19 season.[52]

Kidsgrove Athletic

[edit]

On 21 August 2019, Duffy joined Northern Premier League Division One South East club Kidsgrove Athletic.[53] 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".[54] 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.[55]

International career

[edit]

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.[56] Manager John Toshack predicted a bright future for the young defender.[57] He then played in a 1–0 defeat to England on 3 September 2005,[58] and was said to have "acquitted himself well on the right".[59] 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.[60]

He featured as a substitute in a 3–2 win over Northern Ireland on 8 October 2005,[61] 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".[62] 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.[63] He played 64 minutes of a 2–0 loss to Brazil on 5 September 2006.[64] He later played in the 5–1 defeat to Slovakia on 7 October 2006.[65] He also played the first half of a 4–0 friendly win over Liechtenstein on 14 November 2006.[66]

He was dropped from the squad in May 2007,[67] but made a return in March 2008 for the friendly encounter with Luxembourg.[68] In total he won 13 caps for his country in a three-year international career.

Style of play

[edit]

Duffy could operate as a right-back or at the centre of defence.[31] 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."[69] [31]

Managerial career

[edit]

In May 2020, Duffy was appointed as assistant manager to Ryan Austin at North West Counties League Premier Division side Congleton Town.[70] He succeeded Austin as manager on 24 May 2021, who resigned for personal reasons.[71] Duffy also registered as a player.[72] Congleton were crowned Midland League Premier Division champions at the end of the 2023–24 season.[73][74] Congleton also beat Highgate United 5–1 in the Midland League Cup final.[75] Congleton finished third in the Northern Premier League Division One West in the 2024–25 season, though missed out on a second-successive promotion after losing to Hednesford Town in the play-off final.[76]

Personal life

[edit]

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.[77] 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."[77]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup EFL Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Swansea City 2001–02[78] Third Division 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2002–03[79] Third Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2003–04[80] Third Division 18 1 3 0 0 0 1[a] 0 22 1
Total 18 1 4 0 0 0 1 0 23 1
Portsmouth 2003–04[80] Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2004–05[81] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2005–06[82] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2006–07[83] Premier League 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
2007–08[84] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2008–09[85] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
Burnley (loan) 2004–05[81] Championship 7 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 9 1
Coventry City (loan) 2004–05[81] Championship 14 0 1 0 0 0 15 0
2005–06[82] Championship 32 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 34 0
2006–07[83] Championship 13 0 0 0 0 0 13 0
2007–08[84] Championship 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Total 61 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 64 0
Swansea City (loan) 2006–07[83] League One 11 0 1 0 0 0 12 0
Millwall 2008–09[85] League One 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0
Exeter City 2009–10[86] League One 42 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 44 1
2010–11[87] League One 42 2 1 0 1 0 6[a] 1[a] 50 3
2011–12[88] League One 28 0 2 0 2 0 2[a] 0 34 0
Total 112 3 4 0 4 0 8 1 128 4
Port Vale 2012–13[89] League Two 36 0 1 0 0 0 2[a] 0 39 0
2013–14[90] League One 28 0 2 0 0 0 1[a] 0 31 0
2014–15[91] League One 27 1 1 0 0 0 1[a] 0 29 1
2015–16[92] League One 45 0 3 0 2 0 2[a] 0 52 0
Total 136 1 7 0 2 0 6 0 151 1
Eastleigh 2016–17[42] National League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Notts County 2016–17[42] League Two 42 4 3 0 1 0 1[a] 0 47 4
2017–18[93] League Two 43 2 5 1 0 0 2[b] 0 50 3
2018–19[94] League Two 19 1 0 0 1 0 2[a] 0 22 1
Total 104 7 8 1 2 0 5 0 119 8
Kidsgrove Athletic 2019–20[95] Northern Premier League
Division One South East
21 0 4 0 2 0 5[c] 1 32 1
Congleton Town 2021–22[72] NWCL Premier Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023–24[72] ML Premier Division 15 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 17 3
2024–25[96] Northern Premier League
Division One West
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career total 498 16 31 1 13 0 27 2 569 19
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Appearance(s) and goal(s) in the EFL Trophy
  2. ^ Appearance(s) and goal(s) in the play-offs
  3. ^ Four appearances in the FA Trophy and one appearance in the Staffordshire Senior Cup

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[97]
National team Year Apps Goals
Wales 2005 6 0
2006 5 0
2007 1 0
2008 1 0
Total 13 0

Honours

[edit]

Playing

[edit]

Port Vale

Managerial

[edit]

Congleton Town

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Richard Duffy (born 30 August 1985) is a Welsh footballer who serves as the player-manager of Town in the Division One West. Duffy began his professional career with his hometown club City, joining their youth setup in 1994 and making his senior debut in 2001. In January 2004, at the age of 18, he transferred to side for an undisclosed fee, where he remained until 2009 despite limited first-team opportunities, instead gaining experience through loans to clubs including , Coventry City, and a return to . From 2009 to 2019, Duffy established himself in the lower tiers of English football, playing 128 matches for Exeter City (2009–2012), where he was a key defender in League One, followed by four seasons at Port Vale (2012–2016) and three at Notts County (2016–2019), captaining the latter during their promotion push in League Two. After leaving Notts County, he joined non-league side Kidsgrove Athletic in August 2019 before moving to Town in 2020, initially as a coach and later as manager in 2021, while continuing to feature as a player at age 40. Internationally, Duffy earned 13 caps for the senior team between 2005 and 2008, debuting in a friendly against and featuring in and qualifiers. Known for his versatility as a centre-back or right-back, Duffy's career spans over 500 senior appearances across professional and , highlighting his longevity and adaptability in the sport.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Richard Duffy was born on 30 August 1985 in , . He grew up in the Brynhyfryd area of the city, a working-class district known for its close-knit community ties. Duffy was raised in a Welsh family with deep roots in the local community, where football held a central place in everyday life. His older brother, Robert Duffy, pursued a professional football career, playing for clubs including & , which likely influenced Richard's early interest in the sport. From a young age, Duffy was immersed in 's vibrant football culture, idolizing the local club and aspiring to represent it, a common dream among children in the area. This early passion led Duffy to join City's youth setup at the age of nine, marking the beginning of his structured development in the game.

Youth football development

Richard Duffy, born and raised in , joined the City youth academy at the age of nine in 1994, beginning his organized football development close to home with strong family support from his local background. Progressing through the club's youth ranks, Duffy signed a contract at approximately 15 or 16 years old, marking his transition toward professional status. His strong performances at under-16 and under-18 levels impressed club officials, culminating in his first professional contract in July 2003 at age 17, following his senior debut in December 2001.

Club career

Swansea City

Richard Duffy, born and raised in , progressed through the City youth academy, signing as a around 2000–01. He made his first-team debut for the club at the age of 16 on 8 December 2001, entering as a second-half substitute in an second-round tie against Macclesfield Town, which lost 4–1 at the . During the 2002–03 season in the Third Division, Duffy remained on the fringes of the first team without registering a league appearance, though he was included in match squads. His breakthrough came in the 2003–04 campaign under manager Brian Flynn, where, at age 17 turning 18, he made his league debut on his birthday, 30 August 2003, in a 1–1 draw away to Scunthorpe United. Duffy established himself as a promising right-sided defender during this period, contributing solidity to Swansea's backline amid their push for promotion from the lower tiers of the . He featured prominently in the run, including appearances in early rounds, and scored his sole goal for the club in a 3–0 league win over Macclesfield Town on 16 September 2003. Over the course of his initial professional stint from 2001 to January 2004, Duffy accumulated 18 league appearances and 1 goal in the Third Division, showcasing his potential as a versatile and athletic young defender. His performances attracted interest from higher-division clubs, leading to a transfer to side on 28 January 2004 for an undisclosed six-figure fee, marking the end of his formative years at his hometown club.

Portsmouth and loans

In January 2004, Richard Duffy transferred from to club for an initial six-figure fee, with potential add-ons based on appearances. The 18-year-old defender, highly rated after early promise at , signed a professional contract at as part of 's squad-building efforts ahead of their first season in the top flight. Despite the high expectations, Duffy struggled to break into Portsmouth's first team over the next five years, managing just one league appearance during the 2003–04 season. With limited opportunities under managers and , the club opted to loan him out to develop his experience at lower levels, focusing on competition to build his physicality and tactical awareness. Duffy's first loan came in September 2004 to side , initially for one month but extended twice, allowing him to feature until December. He made seven league appearances and scored one goal, including a notable winner in a 2–1 victory over Leeds United, providing his initial taste of regular senior football outside the . This spell helped him adapt to the demands of full-time matches. Subsequent loans to Coventry City proved more substantial, spanning multiple seasons and totaling 59 league appearances without a goal. His first stint began in February 2005, where he played 14 games in the 2004–05 season; this was followed by a full-season loan in 2005–06 (32 appearances) and a half-season return in 2006–07 (13 appearances). Under managers such as and John Dublin, Duffy gained consistent playing time in defense, contributing to Coventry's mid-table stability and honing his versatility across the backline during these outings. In January 2007, Duffy returned on loan to his boyhood club Swansea City for the remainder of the 2006–07 League One season, making 11 league appearances as the Swans pursued promotion. This emotional homecoming allowed him to reconnect with familiar surroundings while adding depth to Swansea's squad, though the team ultimately finished seventh and entered the play-offs. These loan experiences collectively provided Duffy with over 80 and League One games, fostering his growth into a more robust defender capable of handling physical battles at senior level.

Millwall

In February 2009, Richard Duffy joined on a free transfer from , marking his first permanent move following a series of loans earlier in his career. During the 2008-09 League One season, Duffy made 12 appearances for , starting 11 matches and accumulating 813 minutes on the pitch, primarily as a right-back in the defensive line. His limited playing time reflected the challenges of adapting to a new squad midway through the campaign, where he contributed modestly without registering any goals or assists. Duffy played a rotational role in Millwall's defense as the club mounted a late push for promotion, finishing fifth in the table and reaching the playoff final, though they ultimately lost to Scunthorpe United. This brief stint, ending with his departure to Exeter City in July 2009, highlighted the transitional nature of his time at the club amid competitive squad dynamics.

Exeter City

In July 2009, Richard Duffy joined Exeter City on a free transfer from Millwall, bringing his experience as a versatile defender to the newly promoted League One side. His debut came on 8 August 2009 against Leeds United, marking the start of a three-year stint at St James Park. Over the 2009–2012 period, Duffy made 112 league appearances for Exeter City across League One and League Two, scoring 3 goals, while adding 16 cup appearances and 1 goal for a total of 128 outings and 4 goals. In his debut 2009–10 season, he featured in 44 matches and was voted the club's Players’ Player of the Year for his reliable performances. The following 2010–11 campaign saw him play 50 games as Exeter finished 8th in League One, contributing to their mid-table stability. Duffy established himself as a key figure in Exeter's defense, providing solidity during their efforts to maintain League One status in the early years of his tenure. His consistent play helped anchor the backline, with the team avoiding relegation threats until the 2011–12 season, where he appeared in 34 matches before departing in May 2012.

Port Vale

Duffy joined Port Vale on a two-year deal in July 2012 after being released by Exeter City, bringing his experience as a versatile defender to the League Two club. Drawing on the defensive foundations from his time at Exeter, he quickly established himself at right-back, making 37 league appearances during the 2012–13 season as Port Vale secured promotion to League One via the play-offs. His consistent performances were instrumental in the team's solid defensive record, contributing to a third-place finish in the regular season standings. In the following seasons, Duffy transitioned to a central defensive role, forming key partnerships that bolstered Port Vale's backline in League One. He took on leadership responsibilities within the defense, guiding younger players and maintaining stability during challenging campaigns. Over his four-year tenure from 2012 to 2016, Duffy made 151 appearances across all competitions, including 133 in the league, scoring once, with notable contributions including 28 outings in 2013–14 and 27 in 2014–15. His reliability and tactical awareness were highlighted as factors in the club's mid-table consistency in the higher division. Duffy's time at Port Vale marked a peak in his professional career, where his in the dressing room and on the pitch helped foster team cohesion during the promotion push and beyond. By 2016, having extended his contract midway through his stint, he departed as a respected figure having played a pivotal role in elevating the club from League Two.

Notts County

Duffy joined Notts County on a one-year contract on 27 June 2016, signing as a free agent after initially agreeing terms with National League side but opting for the League Two club instead. The 30-year-old defender brought experience from his previous stints in the Football League, having served as at Port Vale where he demonstrated strong leadership qualities. During his three seasons at , Duffy made 104 appearances in League Two, scoring 7 goals, while also contributing in cup competitions for a total of 119 outings and 8 goals across all competitions. In the 2016–17 season, he featured prominently with 42 league starts, netting 4 goals and providing 2 assists, helping Notts County secure a mid-table 17th-place finish amid defensive stability challenges. His versatility shone through as he operated primarily as a centre-back but also filled in at right-back and occasionally in midfield, bolstering the backline during a season marked by inconsistent form and relegation pressures from lower-placed rivals. The following campaign saw Duffy maintain his impact with 43 league appearances, 2 goals, and 1 assist, as Notts County improved to eighth place and reached the League Two play-off semi-finals, though they fell short of promotion. In June 2018, he extended his stay by signing a new undisclosed contract, rewarding his consistent defensive contributions and occasional goal-scoring threat from set pieces. However, the 2018–19 season proved tougher, with Duffy limited to 19 league games and 1 goal due to injuries and squad rotation, coinciding with the club's relegation to the National League after finishing 23rd in League Two. Throughout his tenure, Duffy's adaptability and experience were key in navigating the defensive battles that defined Notts County's fight against the drop, even as the team faced turbulent ownership changes and performance dips. Duffy's contract expired at the end of the 2018–19 season, marking the conclusion of his professional EFL career at age 33.

Later non-league career

In August 2019, he joined Division One South East club Athletic, where he made 21 appearances without scoring during the 2019–20 season. Duffy moved to Division One West club Town in 2020, initially as a coach, before taking on the dual role of player-manager from 2021 onward; in this capacity, he has made over 15 appearances and scored 3 goals as of 2025, and as of November 2025, Duffy has continued to feature regularly for Town in the 2025–26 season, marking his shift to semi-professional football sustained by prior experience across all four EFL divisions.

International career

Youth international

Richard Duffy began his representative career at youth international level with the Wales under-17 team, featuring in early development matches. His performances in City's youth setup facilitated this progression into national youth squads. Duffy advanced to the under-19 level, earning selection for qualification fixtures. Duffy's youth international experience peaked with the Wales under-21 side, amassing seven caps from 2004 to 2006 during qualifying campaigns. He started in key qualifiers, such as the 1–1 draw against on 12 October 2004, and featured prominently in a 2–0 friendly defeat to on 8 October 2004, where he relished the competitive challenge despite the loss. In February 2005, Duffy helped anchor the defense in a 0–4 loss to , making a notable clearance early in the match, and followed with a solid showing in the 1–0 victory over on 26 March 2005 as a centre-back alongside . His final under-21 appearance came in the 2006 playoff first leg, a 0–2 win at on 10 May 2006, where he partnered Morgan in defense during a dominant performance that advanced .

Senior international appearances

Richard Duffy earned his first senior call-up to the national team in 2005, building on his promising youth international performances. His debut came on 17 August 2005 in a friendly match against at the , where he started in a 0–0 draw. This appearance marked the start of a brief but active period in his international career, as Duffy was selected for several competitive fixtures during the qualifiers. He started in key matches, including the 0–1 home defeat to on 3 September 2005 and the 0–1 away loss to four days later, demonstrating his versatility in defensive roles. Over the next three years, Duffy accumulated a total of 13 caps for , all without scoring a , primarily during his early club career amid various spells. His appearances included starts in World Cup qualifiers against (3–2 win, October 2005) and (2–0 win, October 2005), as well as friendlies such as the 0–0 draw with in August 2006 and the 0–2 loss to in September 2006. He also featured in qualifiers, starting in the 1–5 home defeat to in October 2006 and the 3–1 win over later that month. Additional appearances came against (November 2005 friendly), (4–0 win, November 2006 friendly), (0–0 draw, February 2007 friendly), and (2–0 win, March 2008 friendly). Duffy's international involvement tapered off after 2008, with no further caps as his club career progressed into lower divisions, ending his senior tenure at age 22.
DateOpponentResultCompetitionRole
17 Aug 20050–0FriendlyStart
3 Sep 20050–1WCQStart
7 Sep 20050–1WCQStart
8 Oct 20053–2WCQStart
12 Oct 20052–0WCQStart
16 Nov 20050–1FriendlyStart
15 Aug 20060–0FriendlyStart
5 Sep 20060–2FriendlyStart
7 Oct 20061–5Euro 2008 QStart
11 Oct 20063–1Euro 2008 QStart
14 Nov 20064–0FriendlyStart
6 Feb 20070–0FriendlyStart
26 Mar 20082–0FriendlySub

Playing style

Positional roles

Richard Duffy primarily played as a centre-back throughout his professional career, with a preference for the right-sided role in a defensive partnership. This positioning allowed him to leverage his right-footedness for distribution and overlapping runs, as evidenced by his deployment in 60% of matches as a right central defender. In addition to his central defensive duties, Duffy occasionally filled in at left-back or right-back, particularly during loan spells early in his career and in squad rotations later on. For instance, at Coventry City in , he was noted for his ability to cover right-back, centre-half, and even right midfield positions when required. His versatility extended to all back-four roles, making him a valuable utility defender in various tactical setups. Duffy's positional profile evolved from a highly versatile youth defender at Swansea City and , where he adapted across multiple defensive spots, to a more specialized EFL stopper focused on central defence during his time at clubs like Notts County. This progression highlighted his growth into a reliable, positionally disciplined player in competitive leagues. His international career with further underscored this adaptability, as he earned 13 caps between 2005 and 2008 primarily as a defender.

Key attributes and strengths

Richard Duffy was recognized for his qualities as a defender, frequently serving in roles that emphasized his ability to provide guidance and stability to his teams. When signing with Notts County in 2016, Duffy highlighted his desire to contribute experience and to the squad. Port Vale manager similarly commended Duffy's during the 2015 season, noting his significant influence on team dynamics. Standing at 1.81 meters tall, Duffy possessed a physical profile well-suited to the rigors of centre-back duties at English League levels, enabling him to compete effectively in defensive battles. He demonstrated strong positional awareness throughout his career. Duffy exhibited notable mental resilience throughout his career, persisting across multiple clubs and divisions while contributing to key successes, such as Port Vale's promotion to League One in the 2012-13 season, where he established himself as a reliable fixture in the backline. This tenacity extended into his later non-league phase, where he continued to perform and eventually transitioned into management. Although early assessments occasionally noted limitations in pace relative to some peers, Duffy's accumulated experience allowed him to compensate through astute game reading and positioning. His adaptability across defensive roles, including right-back when required, further highlighted his versatility.

Managerial career

Entry into management

Following his release from Notts County in May 2019, where he had served as club captain, Richard Duffy retired from full-time professional football at the age of 33, concluding a career that spanned all four divisions of the . Duffy subsequently signed with Division One South club Athletic in August 2019, marking his entry into semi-professional as a player. In parallel, he advanced his coaching qualifications, obtaining his A Licence to prepare for a transition into management. In May 2020, Duffy joined North West Counties League Premier Division side Congleton Town, where he continued playing while taking on his first formal coaching role as assistant manager under Ryan Austin. This position represented his initial step into non-league coaching setups, drawing on his extensive playing experience without prior major assistant engagements.

Congleton Town

Richard Duffy was appointed as player-manager of Congleton Town in the North West Counties League Premier Division on 24 May 2021, succeeding Ryan Austin after serving as his assistant since May 2020. In the 2023–24 season, Duffy led Town to the Premier Division title, securing promotion to the with a dominant campaign that saw them finish as champions. The team also won the Cup, defeating Highgate United 5–1 in the final on 1 May 2024 to complete a league and cup double. During the 2024–25 season in the Division One West, Town finished third in the league table, qualifying for the play-offs. They advanced past Chasetown in the semi-final via a 4–3 victory after a 2–2 draw but lost 2–0 to Hednesford Town in the final on 3 May 2025. In the 2025–26 season, Congleton Town are competing in the Division One West, where they sit 18th with 17 points from 17 matches as of 17 November 2025.

Personal life

Off-field incidents

In January 2011, while playing for Exeter City, Richard Duffy was convicted of drink-driving after pleading guilty at . He was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £700. Duffy publicly apologized for the "silly mistake," which occurred after a meal out with friends, and expressed remorse in a statement to . To aid his recovery and demonstrate accountability, he pledged support to an Exeter-based anti-drink-driving campaign run by a local mother who had lost her son in a similar incident. The conviction attracted particular scrutiny in his native area, where his local roots amplified media and community attention. Although the incident predated his 2012 move to Port Vale, it occasionally resurfaced in coverage during his four-year tenure there, contributing to a mixed public image amid his on-pitch contributions.

Community involvement

Since joining Congleton Town in 2020 as player-manager, Richard Duffy has settled in the local community, where the club is based and promotes involvement since its founding in 1901. His ongoing role at the Cleric Stadium has allowed him to contribute to regional football development.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Richard Duffy's statistics reflect a versatile defender who contributed to multiple teams across the English football , accumulating significant playing time in the EFL while transitioning to later in his career. His appearances total 520 in all competitions, with 15 goals scored, primarily in league matches. These figures encompass his time at eight clubs from to 2019. Disciplinary records show 111 yellow cards and 4 red cards during this period. The following table summarizes appearances and goals by club for his professional career:
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
2001–2004341
200420
200491
Coventry City2005640
2009120
Exeter City2009–20121284
Port Vale2012–20161521
Notts County2016–20191198
Total52015
In , Duffy joined Athletic in August 2019, where he made 43 league appearances and scored 2 goals during the 2019–20 season, helping the team reach the play-off final. Since July 2020, he has served as player-manager at Congleton Town in the Division One, making occasional appearances; as of November 2025, he has recorded 13 appearances and 0 goals in the 2025/26 season, with career totals at the club estimated at around 40 appearances and 1 goal across all competitions.

International statistics

Richard Duffy earned 13 caps for the senior national team between 2005 and 2008, during which he scored no goals. His appearances spanned friendlies and qualification campaigns for the and the 2008 UEFA European Championship. He also featured for at youth levels, accumulating 4 caps with the under-17 side, 3 with the under-19 side, and 7 with the under-21 side, without scoring in any of those matches. The following table summarizes Duffy's senior international appearances by year:
YearAppearancesGoals
200560
200650
200710
200810
Total130
Youth international totals:
LevelAppearancesGoals
U1740
U1930
U2170

Honours

As a player

Duffy contributed to Port Vale's promotion from League Two to League One at the end of the 2012–13 season, finishing third in the league and securing automatic promotion. Duffy also played a key role in Notts County's promotion from League Two to League One at the end of the 2017–18 season, where the team finished third before winning the play-offs, defeating Coventry City 2–1 in the final at . He made 47 appearances that season, captaining the side in several matches. Duffy received no major individual honours during his playing career.

As a manager

Duffy's managerial honours are exclusively with Congleton Town, where he has served as player-manager since May 2021, with no prior accolades in coaching roles. Under his leadership, Congleton Town secured the Premier Division title in the 2023–24 season, clinching promotion to the West Division. The team also won the Midland Football League Cup that year, defeating Highgate United 5–1 in the final held on 1 May 2024 at Poundland Bescot Stadium. In the following 2024–25 season, Congleton Town reached the West Division play-off final but lost 2–0 to Town on 3 May 2025, missing out on further promotion.

References

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