Odile Richards, Dujuan Richards pulling together Father happy to contribute to son’s ‘professional path’

Odile Richards, the father and newly appointed manager of Jamaican international Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, says he is delighted to be back in his son’s life and committed to helping him achieve great things in his football career.

Dujuan, who turns 21 on November 10, recently secured a loan move from English Premier League club Chelsea to League One side AFC Wimbledon.

The move comes shortly after the young forward formally notified the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the English Football Association (FA) that his representation had changed.

In a signed letter, Dujuan informed both organisations that the Craig Butler-led Phoenix Sports Management and Football Academy would no longer represent him in any capacity.

Dujuan stated that his father, Odile, and Riches and Royalty Sports Management would now be responsible for managing his career.

Odile said his primary focus is on being a father and helping his son navigate the demands of professional football.

“You just have to continue being a father,” said Odile. “There is no manual on how to be a father of a successful young footballer, so I just have to do what I do day to day to have him on a professional path,” he said.

The elder Richards said being reunited with his son has been especially meaningful, stating that family remains at the heart of their relationship.

“No parent, mother or father, wants to lose a child, so it is a great feeling, and it is a feeling that I enjoy,” he said.

“Taking my grandson to school this morning (Monday) is a feeling that I enjoy, and so we are sticking together as a family now.”

No public back and forth

Odile noted that Dujuan does not intend to engage in a public back and forth over the changes surrounding his representation.

“His feelings are his feelings, and so he is not going to be on any social media now making any comments. He would just like to keep it that way for now going forward,” said Odile.

The father was not a part of any contractual deal when Dujuan was signed by Chelsea in January 2024.

Those contractual arrangements were handled by Phoenix Sports Management.

In his letter to the JFF, Dujuan stated: “I hereby formally notify the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) of a change in my official representation and contact details.

“Effective immediately, Mr Craig Butler and Phoenix Sports Management and Football Academy are no longer representing me in any capacity.”

The forward has been part of the Reggae Boyz set-up since making his senior international debut in 2023, and has scored two goals for Jamaica.