Richard Eckersley

17

D.O.B.

12 Mar 1989

Birthplace

Salford, Manchester

Position

Defender

Signed

15.07.2009

Fee

£500,000 (tribunal)

Former Clubs

Manchester United

Pen Pic

Richard Eckersley signed a four year deal with the Clarets in July 2009

Eckersley is a versatile defender.The Salford born and bred full-back is predominantly a right-sided player but is also comfortable at left-back.Eckersley was out of contract at Old Trafford in the Summer of 2009 and turned down a new deal wanting more regular first-team action in the Premier League despite being on the verge of breaking through into the Red Devils first team. A FA Tribunal eventually settled United's entitlement to compensation after agreeing a figure of £500,000.

Eckersley came through Manchester United's Academy after signing for them as a youth player in 2005.

His first team debut finally came in January 2009 in an FA Cup clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur when he came on as a 53rd minute substitute.

His time at Burnley though proved unsuccessful.
Eckersley made his Burnley debut in a Carling Cup second round match against Hartlepool United but was then sent off in the tenth minute of extra time. His only appearances for the Clarets were in the cup competitions and he left the club without ever making his league debut for them. For most of his time on Burnley`s books he was sent out on loan having spells at Plymouth, Bradford City and Bury before crossing the pond to play for MLS side, Toronto FC in April 2011.

His contract was terminated by mutual consent in January 2012 despite still having 18 months to run.

He joined Toronto FC on a permanent deal after becoming a free agent on 26th January 2012.