Neil Richardson, an experienced defender from Rotherham United, appeared on loan for Exeter City during 1996/97 before resuming his career with the Millers ahead of later playing for Mansfield Town. 

Neil was playing for County Durham side Brandon United when he was snapped up by Rotherham United in August 1989. He soon won a regular place at Millmoor and was to make 185 league appearances (nine goals) either side of a three-month loan stint with Exeter City between November 1996 and February 1997.

Arriving at St James’ Park aged twenty-eight, Neil made his debut in the win over Leyton Orient on 9 November 1996 and appeared in fourteen consecutive games until the match at home to Rochdale on 8 February 1997.

He then returned to Rotherham and featured in most games during 1997/98 but less often in the subsequent campaign. Joining Mansfield Town in August 1999 for a final season in professional football, Neil later played for Sleaford Town ahead of working as a youth coach at Mansfield Town, Boston United and York City. Later returning to Sleaford as assistant-manager, Neil scouted for Liverpool and Tottenham alongside working as a PE instructor in Lincolnshire.