Richard Kingson (born 13 June 1978 in Accra, Ghana), also known as Faruk Gürsoy, is a Ghanaian International goalkeeper who currently represents Birmingham City in the English Premier League.

He is the starting Goalkeeper of the Ghana national team, and was called for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Football commentators have said he played incredibly well against the Czech Republic, where he made a lot of critical saves at the end of the match.

During the BBC coverage of Ghana's game against Italy he was described as 'possibly the first great African goalkeeper.'

He also played very well towards the end of the Ghana v. Brazil match, stopping three very good shots consecutively. His nickname is "Olele".

The 28 year-old, who played for Ghana at last year's World Cup finals, signed a three month contract with the team, according to the club's website.

"By joining us, Richard has increased the competition among the keepers because we already have two other top keepers," goalkeeping coach Lasse Eriksson said.

He added that the team is happy to have the Ghanaian because he brings a wealth of experience with him that includes 43 appearances for the Black Stars.

"Richard has very good reflexes and is marvellous in the box, he has a cool head and a lot of experience," Eriksson added.

He also holds Turkish nationality.

He held his first clean sheet in Allsvenskan in his first home game for Hammarby IF against Trelleborgs FF.

On the 28 of June Hammarby confirmed that Kingson's contract will not be extended and Kingson will leave Hammarby on the 30 of June.

As Hammarby failed to meet the financial demands to seal a permanent deal for the keeper. Kingson was signed in March to replace injured keeper Erland Hellstrom.

But the calibre of his performances were such that the side from Stockholm have been unable to compete with reported offers from at least five other potential suitors.

"Now my loan's up, I just want to thank the management, the players and the fans who have been absolutely magnificent to me," Kingson told BBC Sport.

"I had really wanted to stay here but unfortunately Hammarby have been unable to meet the financial demands of Ankaraspor. "I owe the supporters of Hammarby a huge debt."

The Ghana keeper had been linked to clubs in England, Denmark (Aalborg) and Israel (Maccabi Tel Aviv) as he sought an end to his eleven-year spell in Turkey.

"I am happy that English side Birmingham City and some clubs in Denmark and Israel are in talks to sign me," Kingson said.

"I am confident that Ankarspor and my agent will reach a deal soon for me to play for a top club in Europe."

On 3 July 2007, Kingson said his "dream has come true" following his move to Birmingham City in the English Premier League after passing a medical.

The keeper, who is expected to sign a three-year deal, added: "Hopefully by Wednesday morning I should complete everything".

The Ghana international will have no problems with his work permit as he holds dual Turkish nationality.


Note on name

There was some confusion during the 2006 FIFA World Cup regarding Kingson's surname, whether it was misspelled KINGSON on the back of his shirt.

As a result the Ghanaian FA confirm his name is Kingston.

However, his former club Hammarby, and also Richard himself, have later confirmed that the name is Kingson, and not Kingston.

His brother is Laryea Kingston, who plays for Hearts.


Personal information:

Full name: Richard Kingson
Date of birth: June 13, 1978 (1978-06-13) (age 29)
Place of birth: Accra, Ghana
Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Playing position: Goalkeeper