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Saddened to hear the news of Howard Riley’s passing on January 8th. He was 87 years old. Riley played for Leicester for ten years, from 1955 to 1965. He played in both the 1961 and 1963 FA Cup finals. In 1964 he scored to help Leicester win the League Cup.
He was capped at U.23 level for England. He made his debut in 1958 vs. Wales, 1-0 win, goalscorer Brian Clough. Jimmy Greaves was also in the starting line-up alongside Howard Riley. He was the first player ever to represent Leicester at this level. In his second appearance also against Wales three years later, in 1961. Leicester had two players in the team that evening, Gordon Banks was in goal. Bobby Moore scored one of the goals in a 2-0 win.
Howard Riley played a total of 233 competitive matches for Leicester. These were 193 league games, 24 in the FA Cup, 12 in the League Cup and 4 European Cup games. A total of 47 goals were scored.
He decided to go part-time in 1965, but ultimately lost his place in the first team. He later admitted that he regretted this decision. At the age of 27 it was still too early for that. He had a number of years up front as a first-team player at Leicester. From his part-time period in Leicester he studied to become a teacher. He left Leicester in December 1965 and joined Walsall at a lower level. There he worked with Allan Clarke.
Strangely enough, this move to Walsall opened up an opportunity to move to America. A pioneer of the NASL, he joined the Atlanta Chiefs. This was in 1967. He left after a year. Then he became a nomad of the lower leagues. He has represented Barrow, Rugby Town, Burton Albion, Ibstock, Penistone Rovers and Midland Athletic. He eventually ended up at Wigston in the Leicester area, where he started his life as a footballer.
It is with immense sadness that we learned that legendary winger, Howard Riley, has passed away at the age of 87.
Howard was an Ice King with more than 200 appearances and the scorer of the decisive goal in the 1964 League Cup final.
Rest in peace, HowardđŸ’™
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 10, 2026
His time at Leicester was unforgettable. He played on teams at club and international level with some of the most iconic players in football history.
Howard Riley later became manager of Wigston Town and worked as a teacher until his retirement. He often attended matches at Filbert Street and King Power and followed Leicester until his final days.
Sad to see another one of Leicester’s greats pass. RIP, Howard Riley!
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