http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/9408254.stm

Jesus, thats terrible. I remember when he had to pack in. This sounds very sudden, awful news.

RIP - a horrible thing to happen to someone so young, regardless of who he played for. :(

Awful news, he was a top lad.

R.I.P

Sad news indeed.

I wonder what kind of illness he had.

Terrible news, far too young...RIP

Bloody hell. That story has sickened me - such a young age. Didn't even know he was ill.

Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Very sad to hear this.

R.I.P

Shocking news ,, and he has small children too . Jesus we moan about life dont we , then you read this and you start to think a bit more .

Only 36 , god bless him.

Tragic. Always seemed like a decent bloke from what i remember. Feel for his family

Sad news, RIP Dean.

Awful news. Thoughts with the family

Awful news :( rest in peace

Bit strange really considering he came up in a conversation the other day. Such a shame considering how young he was and condolences to his family. RIP

Very sad news, puts things in perspective doesn't it. Only 36. Far too young. Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family

shocking...i turn 36 in April...my thoughts go out to his friends and family

Shocking news. When I heard it on the radio I was trying to think of another Dean Richards as I couldn't believe it was the Spurs/Soton one. RIP.

Any news on what his illness was?

His actual illness appears to be unspecified, probably at his own request or that of relatives

His biggest transfer was his £8.1 million move from Saints to Spurs in 2001 but he made only 73 league appearances for Tottenham before having to retire in 2005 after

complaining of dizzy spells and headaches.

The problem was initially diagnosed as an ear infection. He underwent a scan

for a brain tumour but the results were negative.

Tragic, whatever the actual cause.

RIP

very sad, RIP

Sad, RIP.