Richards' playing career was cut short by illness

The 33-year-old was forced to retire from football because of illness in March 2005, and received a record �2m insurance pay-out a year later.

Richards began his career at Bradford, making 86 league appearances, before moving on to Wolves, Southampton and joining Tottenham for �8m in 2001.

He will work with City's apprentices and first-year professionals.