Zoe Lester helps Richard with nearly every aspect of his busy life - and doesn't even like the sport.

"I just don't enjoy it, although Rich has tried to change that," personal assistant Zoe told Sportsworld.

Richard is not your average footballer. He has set up his own specialist goalkeeping company, owns a fashion business and properties around the world.

And he has just penned his first book Graduation: Life Lessons Of A Professional Footballer - all at the age of 29.

Richard, who 29-year-old Zoe first met when he played for Watford, writes in the book: "Zoe - you help organise my life and pursue ideas I would never ordinarily have the chance to do. I am very lucky to have you."

London-raised Zoe said: "I worked in the accountants department at Watford and we became friends.

"I worked for Richard on a part-time basis to start with and have been his PA for the past year. Every day is different and I make sure everything runs correctly.

"I do worry that if I get hit by a bus he would not survive without me."

Oxford-born Richard spent more than 10 years at Watford before signing for Brentford, now managed by Manchester City legend Uwe Rosler.

But after one game with Brentford, he was dropped and saw three other keepers ahead of him in his battle to regain his place.

Richard, who has also suffered from acute mental anxiety throughout his career, took a stand-up comedy course last year, culminating in an appearance at a Soho comedy club.

But he puts all his success down to Zoe. He told Sportsworld: "In the 18 months she has been working for me I don't believe it's a coincidence that I gained the player of the year award and had the opportunity to write my book alongside owning three businesses.

"Many ask where I find the time and the reason is Zoe, she knows me better than I know myself."

Camera-shy Zoe, who read psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, describes herself as culturally Jewish.

And she revealed that she has taught the League One keeper numerous Yiddish words.

She explained: "Richard is really interested in Judaism and he has a fascinating thirst for knowledge.

"I will sometimes use a Yiddish word, such as mishegas and he will ask me what it means and then uses it.

"My mum told me to ask him to come round for Friday night dinner, but I haven't asked him yet. He might come over for Pesach, though."

The relationship for Zoe and Richard, who are both single, is purely platonic.

"I see us as more like brother and sister," Zoe added.

Zoe's dad, Clinton, is a big Tottenham Hotspur fan and always tells her Spurs' and Brentford's results.

"Even though I know a lot of people in the football industry, I am not a fan," she continued.

"There is a certain perception of footballers and I have dealt with a lot of them, but I don't tarnish everyone with the same brush.

"Clarke Carlisle, who was at Watford, is incredibly intelligent and so is Richard."

Graduation: Life Lessons Of A Professional Footballer is published by Bennion Kearny, priced £9.99.