Born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, Richardson started his career at Blackburn Rovers. He made his debut in a 1–0 loss against Leeds United in the English League Cup on 13 October 1999. On 13 July 2000 he moved to Bolton Wanderers for £50000. He made his debut in the Trotters' 1–1 draw against Burnley in the Football League Championship on 12 August 2000. In 2001, Richardson played his part in helping Bolton to return to the Premier League via the play-offs when they defeated Preston North End in the final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. In 2001–02 he moved to loan went to Notts County. He made his debut in a 1–1 draw against Cambridge United in the FA Cup on 17 November 2001. In 2002–03 season he moved on loan to Blackpool. He made his debut in a 3–0 win against Peterborough United in League One on 21 December 2002. He was sent off against Huddersfield Town on 1 January 2003. On 23 June 2003 he joined Blackpool on a free transfer. He made his debut in a 5–0 loss against Queens Park Rangers in League One on 9 August 2003. He scored his first goal for the club against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup on 6 December 2003. Richardson played as a substitute in the victorious 2004 Football League Trophy Final. On 10 May 2005, he was released from the club along with Robert Clare. On 13 August 2005 he joined Accrington Stanley on a free transfer on non-contract terms. He made his debut against Canvey Island in the Football Conference on 13 August 2005. He scored his first goal against Brentford in League Two on 26 February 2008. Following former Stanley manager John Coleman's departure to Rochdale in January 2012, Richardson took over as caretaker manager. On 28 January 2012, Richardson took charge of his first game for Accrington at home to Gillingham, Stanley won the match 4–3 and briefly moved into a play-off position for the first time in the season. Accrington appointed Paul Cook's to be their manager the following month, but when Cook left to become manager of Chesterfield in October 2012, Richardson took on another term as caretaker manager. On 1 November 2012 he was given a permanent two-and-a-half-year deal by the Accrington board. on 30 April 2013 it was announced that Richardson would again be working alongside Paul Cook as the assistant manager of Chesterfield. on 31 May 2017 it was announced that Richardson would again be working alongside Paul Cook as the assistant manager of Wigan Athletic.
