AFC Richmond Origins

Lore & Background

The story begins with Rebecca Welton gaining ownership of A.F.C. Richmond through a divorce settlement from her unfaithful ex-husband, Rupert Mannion. Rupert cared more about the club than anything else, prompting Rebecca to hire Ted Lasso as a college football coach from Kansas City, Missouri, specifically to ruin the team. Leslie Higgins, the Director of Football Operations, was indirectly responsible for this arrangement due to covering for Rupert's affairs during his marriage. The team features players like Jamie Tartt, an arrogant forward on loan from Manchester City who later transitions into a versatile attacking midfielder, and Roy Kent, a veteran box-to-box midfielder and captain whose career ends after a tackle on Tartt. Other key figures include Nate Shelley, the equipment manager promoted to assistant coach who later becomes West Ham United's manager under Rupert before reconciling with Richmond.

In Their Own Story

Ted Lasso arrives at A.F.C. Richmond facing immediate ridicule for his folksy optimism and lack of soccer knowledge. His appointment is a secret ploy by Rebecca Welton, but his charm begins to win over the skeptical team and staff. The first season consists of ten episodes premiering on August 14, 2020, with the first three released immediately. A pivotal moment occurs when Dani Rojas gets the 'yips' after accidentally killing the club's mascot during a penalty kick; this leads to the hiring of Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, a sports psychologist who helps both the players and Ted. The team faces significant challenges, including Jamie Tartt being dropped by Manchester City after appearing on a dating reality show. By the end of Season 3, Roy Kent is appointed as the new manager following Lasso's departure, while Beard remains in the UK as an assistant coach after marrying Jane.

Reader's Guide

A.F.C. Richmond operates under the ownership of Rebecca Welton, who evolves from a saboteur into a supportive leader and angel investor for Keeley Jones' PR firm. The club employs a coaching staff led by Ted Lasso, assisted by Beard and Nate Shelley (until Season 2). The roster includes diverse talents such as Sam Obisanya, a right-back from Nigeria passionate about environmental issues who owns the restaurant 'Ola's', and Isaac McAdoo, the center-back chosen by Kent as his successor. Colin Hughes, a left winger from Wales, comes out to the team after a fan directs a homophobic slur at him during a match. The club's internal dynamics are managed by Higgins, who eventually reconciles with Rebecca and returns to Richmond for the long haul. The narrative highlights how the team navigates personal conflicts, such as Nate's fall-out with Ted and his time managing West Ham under Rupert Mannion.

Did You Know?

• The series premiered on August 14, 2020, but only the first episode was released that day; the next two episodes were released on August 21 and August 28, respectively.
• Ted Lasso is based on a character Jason Sudeikis portrayed in promotional media for NBC Sports' coverage of England's soccer Premier League.
• Roy Kent is inspired by multiple footballers and fictional characters, not solely by Roy Keane.
• In Season 3, Coach Beard and Jane get married at Stonehenge in the episode 'So Long, Farewell.'
• Dr. Sharon Fieldstone is hired full-time as Richmond's resident head of mental health and emotional well-being at the end of Season 3.

Club Foundations and Ownership Dynamics

A.F.C. Richmond is a fictional English soccer team whose modern era is defined by a dramatic shift in ownership following the divorce of Rebecca Welton and Rupert Mannion. Rupert, the former owner, cared deeply about the club, leading Rebecca to purchase it specifically to sabotage his legacy. She hired Ted Lasso, an American college football coach from Kansas City, Missouri, with no soccer experience, expecting him to lead the team to failure. Leslie Higgins, the Director of Football Operations, facilitated this hiring due to his history of covering for Rupert's affairs. The club features a cast of characters including Rebecca, who eventually becomes an angel investor for Keeley Jones' firm, and Rupert, who later becomes the owner of West Ham United. This setup creates a unique environment where personal vendettas collide with professional football, transforming the club from a target of destruction into a place of redemption.

The Lasso Era: From Skepticism to Redemption

Ted Lasso's tenure begins with intense skepticism as he is hired to coach A.F.C. Richmond despite having no experience in soccer. The first season, consisting of ten episodes, premiered on August 14, 2020, with the first three released immediately. Lasso faces ridicule for his folksy optimism but gradually wins over players like Jamie Tartt and staff members through his kind approach. Key moments include the hiring of Dr. Sharon Fieldstone to help Dani Rojas recover from the 'yips' after killing the mascot. The team struggles initially, with Tartt being dropped by Manchester City after a reality show appearance. By the end of Season 3, released on March 15, 2023, Lasso departs as manager, and Roy Kent is appointed to replace him. Beard chooses to stay in the UK as an assistant coach, marrying Jane at Stonehenge.

Defining Matches and Emotional Milestones

The series highlights several emotional turning points centered around the team's performance and personal growth. Jamie Tartt, initially arrogant, learns teamwork after being dropped by Manchester City and returns to Richmond as a versatile attacking midfielder. Nate Shelley, dubbed the 'Wonder Kid' for an inspired substitution against Tottenham in the FA Cup, struggles with insecurity and eventually becomes West Ham United's manager under Rupert Mannion before reconciling with Ted. A significant moment involves Dani Rojas getting the 'yips' after accidentally killing the club's mascot during a penalty kick, leading to the hiring of Dr. Sharon Fieldstone. The team also deals with Colin Hughes coming out as gay after a fan yells a homophobic slur, and Isaac McAdoo becoming captain after Roy Kent retires from playing.

Rivalries and Legacy in the Football World

A.F.C. Richmond faces significant challenges that define its legacy within the series. A major rivalry emerges with West Ham United when Nate Shelley becomes their manager under Rupert Mannion's ownership. This dynamic creates tension as Richmond must confront a former member of their family leading an opposing team. The narrative also touches on the team's battles against other opponents, such as Manchester City, where Jamie Tartt once played on loan. The series concludes with Roy Kent appointed as the new manager after Ted Lasso leaves, signaling a new chapter for the club. Throughout these events, the team demonstrates resilience and unity, evolving from a target of sabotage into a beacon of kindness and community.