Cheerio Richard!

Richard Eckersley has joined Burnley on a four year deal. The 20-year-old defender rejected a contract from Manchester United, fancying his chances of getting in the newly promoted Burnley’s team next season.

The Salford lad is the younger brother of Adam who left the club last year, after spending four years on loan at Port Vale, Brondby and Barnsley. Adam was sent off on his debut for United before signing for on a permanent basis for Port Vale, who did not renew his contract, leading to his move to Danish side AC Horsens.

Richard made four appearances for United at right-back last season, filling in for the injured Wes Brown, Gary Neville and Rafael da Silva.

He would start next season behind Wes Brown, Gary Neville, Rafael da Silva and John O’Shea in pecking order for right-back, making sense of his decision of his decision to leave and join former United team mate, Chris Eagles.

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19 Comments

Stephen July 15, 2009

Good luck lad, another Salford boy.

Micky July 15, 2009

Probably a wise choice.. if Rafael wasn't there he'd probably have fancied his chances.

Good luck

frodoisdead July 15, 2009

he'll do well at burnley i think.

ETHHHH July 15, 2009

Too bad. He was one of the best playersin the reserves if not THE best, if he was brazilian with curly hair people would be drooling over him, shame he's a ginger eh,

Taehr July 15, 2009

One of the smartest decisions he could take,hel be playing premiership football aswell

aig alex is god July 15, 2009

who will he be competing wid for that spot???

Sash Sylvarre July 15, 2009

Unfortunate. I'd have liked to see him in the squad next season.

monkeytennis July 15, 2009

bit of a suprise but he would of had to improve drastically if he wanted to become a regular within the next season or so. I wonder if Sir alex proposed a loan move at all? either way, good player, all the best!

Red-Manc July 15, 2009

Gutted really had high hopes for him, was nice to see a talented local lad in our squad but obviously he will get more first team action with Burnley so good luck to him.

KJ July 15, 2009

Im a bit gutted too, I really had high hopes for him! Oh well, Best of luck!

willierednut July 15, 2009

good luck scholesy son.

Costas July 15, 2009

That's a surprise for me. I hope we give Simpson another chance to prove himself now. We know that at some point Brown, Neville and Rafael will get knocks.

theboogeyman July 15, 2009

Good luck,Richard!

davetian July 15, 2009

Good luck to the lad. I've always worked on the basis that you need a first choice, a back up, and a squad player that can fill every position so for the right back slot I'd go Wesley, the Neviller, with O'shea to cover. When you consider that Rafael and Danny Simpson (a far better player than he's had chance to show yet!) are there too, it makes sense. Good luck Richard, brave decision but probably the right one.

redarmy July 15, 2009

good lad with a lot of talent and a good attitude unlike his older brother mentioned in the article. luckily this one doesn't have an ego the size of a hot air balloon, all the best to him in working his way up the football ladder.