Richard (Richie) Bond Joined Cramlington Juniors in 1976 as an under 12 and remained until under 16. Richie played in midfield and had an eye for the goal. At 16 Richie had trials with Southampton, Manchester United and Everton, finally signing for Southampton as recommended by Jack Hickson on schoolboy forms. After a couple of years at Southampton Richie came back home and signed for Alnwick at the age of 18. He remained at Alnwick for four years. Richie then moved to Blyth Spartans where he remained for 18 months until having a week’s trial with Newcastle United where he played in a game against Carlisle.

Richie got his big break signing pro forms for Blackpool in the December of 1991. After two years of playing for the Seasiders Richie was signed by Carlisle United under the management of David Mcreary. After a spell at Carlisle Richie was signed by Harry Dunn’s Bishop Auckland and played for them for one year.

After the year at Bishop Auckland Richie returned to Blyth Spartans reaching the 2nd round of the FA Cup playing against Stockport. Richie’s final spell of playing was five years at Bedlington Terriers winning the league every year and playing in the FA Vase final at Wembley against Tiverton Town.
Richie now works for a pharmaceutical company and is the assistant manager at Ashington.