Doncaster Rovers boss urges Brighton loanee Taylor Richards to fulfil his potential

Doncaster Rovers boss Andy Butler has urged Taylor Richards not to waste the opportunity to become an ‘exceptional player.’
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Butler has been impressed with the Brighton and Hove Albion loanee’s efforts over the past week since he took the manager’s job.

But he says the 20-year-old must ensure his work rate remains high if he is to fully reach his potential in the game.

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“I’ve said to him, you’re a good player but to be an exceptional player, you have to have that willingness off the ball,” Butler told the Free Press.

Taylor Richards in action against Plymouth. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIXTaylor Richards in action against Plymouth. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX
Taylor Richards in action against Plymouth. Picture: Howard Roe/AHPIX

“He does have that but I’m just asking for that bit extra from him.

“That goes for everyone really. If you look at top level football, the work they do off the ball is sometimes overlooked.

“But if you look hard at it you see the positions they take and the work they do off the ball is just as important as when they have it.

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“It’s the opportunity to grasp it. He’s had an amazing career so far as a young lad and he’s rightly been picked up by top clubs.

“But if he wants to continue in football, he just has to keep wanting to improve and keep wanting to impress people.

“You don’t know who is watching. He’s a young lad and he’s got every opportunity to go as far as he wants. He’s got the technical ability and skill to play at the top level.”

Butler says individual quality is nothing if it does not come with the commitment to put everything into the game both on and off the pitch.

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“Hard work usually beats ability,” he said. “If you haven’t got both then you’re struggling. If you’ve only got the ability, it will only take you so far.

“When they come hand in hand then you’ve got some player.”

The Rovers boss was delighted with Richards’ performance in Saturday’s win over Plymouth Argyle.

“On and off the ball I thought he was outstanding,” Butler said. “That’s what I’ve asked for him, off the ball. On the ball, yeah, he’s an unbelievable player.

“I’ve just said if he wants to be a top player, get the off the ball stuff. He’s taken it on board and what a game he had.”

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