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Richard Brittain

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Richard Brittain
Brittain (left) posed with manager Derek Adams and the Young Player of the Year award winner Alex Cooper
Personal information
Date of birth (1983-09-24) 24 September 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Bathgate, Scotland
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Bonar Bridge
Youth career
Hutchison Vale
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2006 Livingston 65 (4)
2003 → Raith Rovers (loan) 13 (1)
2006–2008 St Mirren 37 (1)
2008–2015 Ross County 222 (42)
2015–2016 Brora Rangers
2024– Bonar Bridge
Managerial career
2015–2016 Brora Rangers
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Richard Brittain (born 24 September 1983) is a Scottish former professional footballer for North Caledonian League club Bonar Bridge. He spent the 2015–16 season as manager of Brora Rangers after a short playing spell at the club. He started his career at Livingston and also played for Raith Rovers, St Mirren and Ross County.

Playing career

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Livingston

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Brittain started his career with Almondvale side Livingston in 2002, playing 65 league games and scoring four goals. Brittain was a victim of a team-mate dispute after new signing Sergio Berti spat at him during a pre-season friendly. This led to Berti being sacked by the club,[1] although this decision was later overturned by the Scottish Football Association following an appeal by Berti[2] resulting in the club paying £250,000 plus compensation.[3][4] During his time at Livingston, he was loaned out to Raith Rovers in 2003.[5] Brittain was cup-tied for Livingston's victory in the 2004 Scottish League Cup Final having previously played in the competition during his loan spell at Raith.[6][7]

St Mirren

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In July 2006, despite interest from French clubs Montpellier and Racing Club Strasbourg, Brittain chose to sign for Scottish Premier League side St Mirren on a free transfer.[8] At St Mirren, he was most noted for his goal against Rangers on 30 December 2006,[9] which was his only league goal for the Saints.

Ross County

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Brittain was released by St Mirren in May 2008 and signed for Scottish First Division side Ross County in June 2008.[10] Upon his move to Ross County, Brittain was reunited with Derek Adams, the club's manager, the two having played together while at Livingston.[11]

Brittain made his debut in the opening game of the season, as Ross County lost, 2–1, against Dundee before scoring his first goal on 13 September 2008, in a 2–1 loss against St Johnstone. Brittain would finish his first season at the club, making thirty-eight appearances and scoring five in all competitions.

Brittain captained Ross County through victories in The Scottish Cup against SPL sides Hibs and Celtic. The famous[citation needed] 2–0 victory over Celtic at Hampden Park in the semi-final earned Ross County a place in the 2010 Scottish Cup Final, the club's first ever major final, which County eventually lost 3–0 to Dundee United. Brittain dedicated the win against Celtic to his late friend Graham Heggie.[12] During the 2009–10 season, Brittain signed a new contract with the club.[13] In the 2010–11 season, Brittain would be involved in leading Ross County to a 2–0 win against Queen of the South in the final of the Scottish Challenge Cup.[14]

In the 2011–12 season, and into the first six games of 2012–13, Brittain captained Ross County through a post war Scottish record of 40 league games undefeated, over a full calendar year. This run helped Ross County win the 2011–12 Scottish First Division by a record margin of 24 points and promotion to the Scottish Premier League for the first time in the club's history. Brittain would describe as his "greatest day of my career".[15] Brittain would sign a one-year contract with the club.[16]

In the 2012–13 season, Brittain was involved in the club's first league match in the top-flight, where Ross County drew 0–0 with Motherwell. Brittain would score the club's first goal in the top-flight, as Ross County drew 1–1 with Celtic.[17] and scored another in the next match, giving Ross County their first win in the SPL, against Dundee.[18]

For the start of the 2013–14, Brittain agreed to join St Johnstone on a two-year deal after signing a pre-contract with the club on 9 January 2013.[19] Brittain was previously criticised by St Johnstone Manager Steve Lomas earlier in the 2012–13 season, calling him a "cheat".[20] He then changed his mind and said he wanted to stay at Ross County,[21] who then registered him as their player preventing St Johnstone from doing so. When Ross County and St Johnstone played on 21 April 2013, Brittain received jeers from St Johnstone fans, though he received praise from Ross County fans. During the match, Brittain scored two penalties in a 2–2 draw. After the match, Manager Adams praised Brittain's performance in the match.[22]

On 27 June 2013 St Johnstone announced they had reached agreement with Ross County to transfer Brittain back to them for a fee of £40,000. This remains the highest sum St.Johnstone have received for a player that did not actually play for them. Ross County though, have denied any transfer fee was paid, they say a donation was made to St Johnstone's community programme.[23]

At the start of the 2013–14 season, Brittain missed two games at the start of the season after being suspended over an incident in a pre-season friendly match.[24] After serving his two match suspension, Brittain scored a brace in a 3–0 win over St Mirren on 24 August 2013.[25] Four weeks later on 21 September 2013 against Hearts, Brittain provided an assist for Melvin de Leeuw to equalised and in return, de Leeuw then provided assist for Brittain to score the winning goal, in a 2–1 win.[26] In the return game against Hearts on 23 November 2013, Brittain was then sent-off for second bookable offense, which the game ended a 2–2 draw.[27] On 11 January 2014, Brittain provided a hat-trick assist, in a 3–3 draw against Partick Thistle.[28] Brittain scored his fourth goal of the season, in a 2–1 loss against Hibernian on 15 February 2014.[29] In a return game against Partick Thistle on 1 March 2014, Brittain scored his fifth goal of the season, which they drew 1–1.[30] Brittain scored his sixth goal of the season, in a 2–1 win over Kilmarnock on 26 April 2014.[31] On 6 May 2014, Brittain scored the winning goal, from the penalty spot, as Ross County beat Hibernian 1–0, a result that confirmed the club's place in the Scottish Premiership for another season.[32]

In the 2014–15 season, Brittain continued as club captain, however his season was overshadowed by injury, which resulted him making twenty-four appearances in all competitions.[33][34] At the end of the 2014–15 season, Brittain was released by the "Staggies".[35]

Brora Rangers

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Brittain signed for Highland League club Brora Rangers during the 2015 close season, while at the same time, starting a new career in the construction industry.[36]

Bonar Bridge

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In August 2024 after a stint in the Inverness amateur leagues, Brittain returned to senior football with North Caledonian League club Bonar Bridge for the season.[37]

Coaching career

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Brora Rangers

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On 16 July 2015, Brittain was appointed player-manager of Highland Football League side Brora Rangers, succeeding Davie Kirkwood as manager.[38] Brittain resigned as manager in April 2016 due to "occupational activities and family commitments," but said he hoped to continue as a player at the club.[39]

Ross County

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Britain was appointed assistant manager of Ross County on 10 June 2020 where he would work under his former teammate Stuart Kettlewell.[40] After Kettlewell was sacked by Ross County Brittain continued in his role under John Hughes. He left this role in June 2021 after the appointment of Malky Mackay as Ross County manager.[41]

Personal life

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In 2012, Brittain became a father after his wife give birth to a baby daughter. Starting a family "made him prioritise his family over his career".[42]

Brittain's rejection of a move to St Johnstone in 2013 caused him to receive hate messages on Twitter. His wife, Diane, had condemned the abuse the family was receiving.[43] Brittain stated he stayed at Ross County for family reasons.[44]

Career statistics

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Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[45][46]
Club Season League National cup League cup Other [a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Livingston 2001–02 Scottish Premier League 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
2002–03 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
2003–04 12 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 14 0
2004–05 13 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 15 0
2005–06 35 4 2 1 4 0 0 0 41 5
Total 65 4 6 1 5 0 0 0 76 5
Raith Rovers (loan) 2003–04 Scottish First Division 13[b] 1 0 0 1 0 4[c] 0 18 1
St. Mirren 2006–07 Scottish Premier League 31 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 33 2
2007–08 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 0
Total 37 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 40 2
Ross County 2008–09 Scottish First Division 30 4[d] 3 1 1 0 4[e] 0 38 5
2009–10 34 9 7 1 3 1 4 0 48 11
2010–11 34 3 3 0 3 1 5 0 45 4
2011–12 35 10 3 2 3 0 1 0 42 12
2012–13 Scottish Premier League 34 9 2 1 0 0 0 0 36 10
2013–14 Scottish Premiership 34 7 1 0 1 1 0 0 36 8
2014–15 21 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 24 0
Total 222 42 20 5 13 3 14 0 269 50
Brora Rangers 2015–16 Highland Football League — — 1 0 — — 1 0 2 0
Career total 337 48 28 7 21 3 19 0 405 58
  1. ^ Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ^ Includes three matches not recorded on Soccerbase or Soccerway. "Raith (0) 0 Queen of South (0) 1". The Telegraph. 9 November 2003. Retrieved 8 May 2016., "Ross County (1) 3 Raith (0) 2". The Telegraph. 23 November 2003. Retrieved 8 May 2016. & "Raith Rovers 1-4 St Johnstone". ESPN FC. 29 November 2003. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  3. ^ Includes one match not recorded on Soccerbase or Soccerway. "Raith Rovers 3-2 St Mirren". ESPN FC. 26 August 2003. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  4. ^ Includes one match not recorded on Soccerbase or Soccerway. "Dumbarton 1–2 Ross County". BBC Sport. 15 December 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  5. ^ Includes one match not recorded on Soccerbase or Soccerway. "Clyde 0–1 Ross County". BBC Sport. 7 September 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2016.

Honours

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Player

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Ross County

Individual

Manager

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Brora Rangers

References

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  1. ^ "Berti sacked by Livingston". BBC Sport. 1 August 2002. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  2. ^ Sports, Our (23 January 2003). "SFA says Livingston wrong to sack Berti". The Times. London. Retrieved 28 December 2013.[dead link‍]
  3. ^ "Berti wins Livi appeal". BBC Sport. 22 January 2003. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  4. ^ "Spat with Berti costs Livingston £1/4m". Herald Scotland. 23 January 2003. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  5. ^ "Raith sign young Sutton". BBC Sport. 19 July 2003. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
  6. ^ "Great Brittain grabs his first treble of goals". spfl.co.uk. 16 March 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  7. ^ "County star Brittain dedicates cup win over Celtic to late friend". dailyrecord.co.uk. 12 April 2010. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  8. ^ "Brittain swaps Livi for St Mirren". BBC Sport. 2 July 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2008.
  9. ^ "Rangers 1–1 St Mirren". BBC Sport. 30 December 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2008.
  10. ^ "Brittain joins up at Ross County". 5 June 2008. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
  11. ^ "I'll try to keep in new boss' good books, says new Ross County capture Richard Brittain". Daily Record. 2 July 2008. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  12. ^ "County star Brittain dedicates cup win over Celtic to late friend". Daily Record. 12 April 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  13. ^ "Boyd makes it six at County". Highland News. 7 January 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  14. ^ a b "Alba Challenge Cup Final: Queen of the South 0 Ross County 2". Daily Record. 11 April 2011. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  15. ^ "Ross County hero Richard Brittain: Accies drubbing back in August fired us up to go on 33-game unbeaten title run". Daily Record. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  16. ^ "Ross County captain Richard Brittain extends stay". BBC Sport. 24 May 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  17. ^ "Ross County 1–1 Celtic". BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  18. ^ "Dundee 0–1 Ross County". BBC Sport. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  19. ^ "Brittain Signs for St Johnstone". BBC Sport. 6 January 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  20. ^ "Steve Lomas given suspended two-match ban after branding Ross County ace Richard Brittain a cheat". Daily Record. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  21. ^ "Richard Brittain wants to stay at Ross County rather than join St Johnstone". Sky Sports. 17 April 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
  22. ^ "Ross County boss Derek Adams praises Brittain's composure". BBC Sport. 21 April 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  23. ^ "St Johnstone cancel pre-contract with Ross County's Richard Brittain". BBC Sport. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  24. ^ "Ross County captain Richard Brittain set to miss Celtic opener". Scottish Daily Express. 24 July 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  25. ^ "Ross County 3 – 0 St Mirren". BBC Sport. 24 August 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  26. ^ "Ross County 2-1 Heart of Midlothian". BBC Sport. 21 September 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  27. ^ "Heart of Midlothian 2-2 Ross County". BBC Sport. 23 November 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  28. ^ "Partick Thistle 3 - 3 Ross County". BBC Sport. 11 January 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  29. ^ "Hibernian 2-1 Ross County". BBC Sport. 15 February 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  30. ^ "Ross County 1 Partick Thistle 1: Ross County drop into the relegation play-off spot after drawing with Partick Thistle". Daily Record. 1 March 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  31. ^ "Ross County 2-1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. 26 April 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  32. ^ McVake, Roddie (6 May 2014). "Ross County 1–0 Hibernian". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  33. ^ "Quinn own goal condemns Staggies to defeat against Aberdeen". Highland News. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  34. ^ "Battling Ross County edged out by Celtic". Highland News. 24 January 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  35. ^ "Ross County to release 14 players at end of season". BBC Sport. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  36. ^ "PFA Scotland: Players aim to 'shine' in search for new clubs". BBC Sport. BBC. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  37. ^ "Bonar Bridge agree deal to sign former Ross County midfielder". Northern Times. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  38. ^ "Brora Rangers appoint Richard Brittain as player-manager".
  39. ^ "Richie Brittain resigns as Brora Rangers' manager".
  40. ^ "Stewart Kettlewell takes sole Ross County charge as Steven Ferguson handed new role in major reshuffle". Daily Record.
  41. ^ "Ross County confirm departure of assistant manager Richie Brittain". Ross-Shire Journal. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  42. ^ "Ross County skipper Richie Brittain on why becoming a dad has taught him how to switch off from football". Daily Record. 26 December 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  43. ^ "Richard Brittain: Wife condemns Twitter abuse after contract U-turn". BBC Sport. 21 August 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  44. ^ "Richard Brittain: Family comes first not St Johnstone". Scottish Daily Express. 26 July 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  45. ^ Richard Brittain at Soccerbase
  46. ^ Richard Brittain at Soccerway
  47. ^ "IRN-BRU SFL Phenomenal Awards – March 2012". spfl.co.uk. 13 April 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
  48. ^ |url=http://www.highlandfootballleague.com/HistoricCompetitions/Item/3_SCOTTISH_HIGHLAND_LEAGUE_CUP_WINNERS_BY_DATE.aspx|title="HL Cup"|website=Highland Football League| accessdate=21 January 2018
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