Cardiff City Football Club has announced the death of Richard Shepherd, the club's long-serving historian, commentator and journalist, at the age of 81. Known affectionately as 'Shep' by generations of Bluebirds supporters, Shepherd spent decades covering and documenting the club, becoming one of the most recognisable voices associated with Cardiff City.
A Life Dedicated to the Bluebirds
Shepherd began covering Cardiff City in the early 1970s as a journalist with BBC Radio Wales. In 1985, he took over as editor of the club's matchday programme, a role he held for many years. He continued to work with the club at Ninian Park and later Cardiff City Stadium until 2018, serving as club historian and matchday commentator.
The club released a statement on Thursday, saying: 'It's with much sadness that Cardiff City Football Club has learned of the passing of Richard Shepherd, at the age of 81. Richard began covering the Bluebirds in the early 1970s during his time as a journalist with BBC Radio Wales, before taking the reins as editor of the club's matchday programme in 1985. He continued to work with the club at Ninian Park and then Cardiff City Stadium until 2018, as club historian and matchday commentator.'
A Voice That Defined an Era
Shepherd's distinctive voice became familiar to supporters through his work on BBC Radio Wales, later commentating on Cardiff City matches for Real Radio and Cardiff City TV. The club paid tribute, stating: 'Richard's authoritative and rich commentary voice, familiar to listeners of Real Radio in the early 2000s and then into the next decade with Cardiff City TV, will forever accompany some of our most cherished Bluebirds moments. A lasting and fitting tribute.'
Cardiff City also shared a video of Shepherd commentating on Peter Whittingham scoring one of his memorable goals, prompting an outpouring of tributes from supporters and former colleagues.
Fans and Colleagues Remember 'Shep'
One supporter wrote: 'RIP Shep. His commentary forms the background of many of my early memories of supporting this great club and I'm sure I'm not alone.' Another said: 'Richard's voice was at times my only way to keep updated with Cardiff City growing up away from Cardiff. For me he was Cardiff City. Rest in peace Richard and thoughts go out to the family.'
Colin Locke described Shepherd as 'one of the best radio commentators Wales have ever had', adding: 'Lovely person as well.' Others remembered him as a 'top guy', a 'knowledgeable man on Cardiff City' and simply an 'iconic voice'.
The club concluded its statement: 'We offer our sincerest condolences to Richard's widow, Brenda, his family and his many friends and colleagues in Welsh sport and further afield. With fond memories. Rest easy, Shep.'
