A homeless man with a passion for football could soon be representing England on the pitch.
Final trial - John Richardson, who has got through to the final trials to represent England on the pitch in the Homeless World Cup. Picture: NICK OBANK (47524-1)
John Richardson, 29, hopes to join the 22-man squad playing in the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, in September.
Mr Richardson, who lives at the Salvation Army centre in Braintree, is one of 44 players to reach the final trial, which takes place at Manchester United's training ground today.
It coincides with his attempts to get his life back on track.
Mr Richardson, an ex-pupil of Felsted Primary School and Helena Romanes School in Dunmow, became homeless last July and moved from his home village of Rayne to Braintree.
He used to be a bricklayer but work dried up and he has been jobless since last January.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, February 7, 2006
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