CONSIDERED by many the most prolific forward of his generation, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, the first Guyana-based player to feature in the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS), is ready to embrace his new role in National football, where he serves as a mentor coach for the country’s youth teams.
The 34-year-old Richardson, speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport yesterday, believes that while he still has much to offer on the pitch, he’s just as, or in some cases, more valuable to Guyana off the pitch, helping to mould the next ‘Jackie Chan’.
In 2009, following an exceptional performance in the CONCACAF Champions League with former Trinidad and Tobago Pro-League Club Joe Club, Richardson had several MLS clubs on their knees, all wanting the inexhaustible Guyanese forward. However, following a trade with Toronto FC, Richardson signed with the Colorado Rapids.
“If I had the exposure and mentorship like these youngsters getting right now, only God knows where I would’ve been,” said Richardson, who will work with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) under their revamped youth programme, put in place by Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

“I think it’s something I always wanted to do,” Richardson highlighted, adding “I’ve been doing a lot of coaching at the school level with Morgan (Learning Centre), so I have some experience from there, but also my knowledge of the game. I’m glad I’m given an opportunity to share that with these youngsters.”
Richardson laughed when told that there might never be another ‘Gregory Richardson’ of Guyana’s football, but stated “that’s a good thing when you think about it. Who knows, sometime one of these youngsters I’m helping to understand the game can turn out to be better than me. In fact, I would be glad if one of them turns out to be better than me and achieve the things that I didn’t because I didn’t have this in my time.”
His usually misunderstood ‘bad boy’ persona led many to cast judgement following his departure from the MLS, but Richardson would answer his critics with a sensational season with the Carolina RailHawks; a team that competes in US Football second tier.
Richardson would later sign with the Puerto Rico Islanders, and would return to the CONCACAF Champions League after helping the club win the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championship in 2011 when the final leg of the tournament was held in Guyana.
“That’s in the past now man, I’ve moved on and I’m just happy with a chance to help the youths. Whoever wants to talk still, I don’t have a problem, I have nothing left to prove to people,” Richardson said.
Richardson has played on almost every national team for Guyana since first debuting at the U-17 level. His first game at the international level was against the Netherlands Antilles when he netted a double in Curacao. The striker later became a regular feature on Guyana’s scorecard ever since and his performances only got better over the years.
“I have like a solid two years left in me right now,” said Richardson when asked about his willingness to don the colours of the ‘Golden Jaguars’ once again.
He added “If I get a call-up, I’ll go because I’m still active, I’m still fit and I can still do great things for the National team, so if the coach calls me up, I will be present. I want to play for Guyana, but I’m glad the GFF think that I can help these youths as well.”