Richard Peniket


Richard James Peniket is an association football manager and former player who played as a forward. He is currently manager of Emirati club Gulf United.

Playing career

Walsall

Peniket was born in Stourbridge, West Midlands, and began his football career with Walsall.

Fulham

In 2009, despite interest from Manchester United, Peniket joined Fulham. In June 2010, Peniket signed his first professional contract, keeping him until 2013.
In October 2011, Peniket joined League Two club Hereford on a one-month loan, later extended until the end of the season. He made his Football League debut in the 2–1 home defeat to Bristol Rovers on 10 January 2012, replacing Delroy Facey for the last twelve minutes of the match.
On 30 August 2012, Peniket signed for Conference National team Kidderminster Harriers on a loan deal from Fulham until January 2013. He made his début for Kidderminster in a 1–1 draw against Barrow, coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute. On 21 November, Fulham confirmed that Peniket had been recalled.
Peniket signed for Conference side AFC Telford United on a one-month loan on 29 January 2013 and made his début the same day, against Kidderminster Harriers away, losing the match 1–0. Peniket scored his first ever senior goal for AFC Telford United against Hyde at New Bucks Head on 12 February 2013.
On 2 March 2013, Peniket signed for Conference South club Farnborough on an initial one-month loan deal. On 22 March 2013, this loan was extended until the end of the season.
Peniket was one of twelve players released by Fulham at the end of the 2012–13 Premier League season.

Tamworth

Following his release by Fulham, Peniket moved down four divisions to join Conference National side Tamworth on a one-year contract. He scored twice in a 4–1 victory over Southport on 7 September 2013, after failing to score in his first five games.

Halifax Town

Peniket signed for Halifax Town on 24 June 2014 on a free transfer. He scored his first two goals for the Yorkshire side in a 3–0 victory over Welling.

Gateshead

On 26 May 2017, Peniket signed a one-year deal with National League side Gateshead following him turning down the offer of a new contract from Halifax Town. He made his debut on 5 August in a 1–2 defeat away to Woking and scored his first goal for the club the following week in a 3–0 victory over Torquay United.

Alfreton Town

In June 2018, Peniket joined National League North side Alfreton Town on a one-year deal.

Return to Kidderminster Harriers

In June 2019, Peniket returned to Kidderminster Harriers. He departed the club on 21 January 2020, stating he wanted to take some time away from football and give himself a chance to recover from cumulative injuries.

Gulf United

In January 2022, Peniket signed with Gulf United. Peniket featured regularly and finished the 2021–22 season with 8 goals in 11 games. Gulf United managed to secure promotion to the UAE Second Division, as well as winning the UAE Third Division title.
In the 2022–23, Peniket's second season with Gulf United, he led them to become champions of the UAE Second Division, achieving back-to-back promotions for the first team in UAE Football History, along the way securing promotion to the UAE First Division.
Peniket ended the season as the clubs top goalscorer for the 2022–23 season with 11 goals to his name, and also second top goalscorer in the league. Peniket retired from playing at the end of the 2023–24 season, as the club's all-time top goalscorer.

International career

Peniket has played for Wales at levels up to under-21. He has six appearances for the Wales under-19 team, and made his debut for the under-21s in a 2–1 friendly defeat against Hungary on 10 August 2011.

Coaching career

On 25 August 2024, following his retirement from playing, Peniket was announced as new Gulf United manager. He had previously managed the club's B-team for a short time, but decided to retire from playing to focus fully on management after being promoted to the first team job.

Honours

FC Halifax Town
Gulf United