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Burnley Official Site
Eckersley: I'm Here To Further My Career
Burnley new boy Richard Eckersley is adamant that he has signed on at Turf Moor to progress his career.The 20-year-old made the huge decision to turn down a new contract at Manchester United and sign for the Clarets on a four-year deal.
But Eckersley, who was on the fringes of Sir Alex Ferguson's star-studded squad at Old Trafford, is convinced he has made the right move.
"It's been a hectic week, but also a very fantastic one. When Burnley came in for me it was an instant decision really and it's great to be here," said Eckersley.
"When I made my United first-team debut against Spurs I was just craving first-team football. I decided that this season I would either have to go out on loan or leave because I was desperate to play.
"Manchester United did offer me a new contract, but it was a no-brainer for me to come here.
"I didn't have any desire to leave because they are a fantastic club, but I think the time was right to move away.
"I'd been at United since I was nine, so it was a really hard decision to leave, but my family advised me.
"My brother was at United so I learnt from him and the mistakes he possibly made. It was tough, but I think I've done the right thing."
Eckersley becomes the second arrival from Manchester United following Chris Eagle's transfer last summer.
And he admitted seeing how the winger's career had progressed with the Clarets was another motivation for the move.
"It's been really sudden, so I didn't get chance to speak to Chris Eagles since yesterday," added Eckersley.
"I had been a bit jealous of him because he was playing week in week out at a good club. When you see that you just want to be a part of it and that's why I've come
"That's the challenge because when you leave United the only way is down so to speak.
"I don't think it's too much of a downward move though because Burnley are a big club too with unbelievable support.
"I just need to play now and I'm ready for the challenge.
"Once you get into the trap between the reserve and first teams it is difficult because you get limited opportunities. I was just desperate to move and face a new challenge."
www.burnleyfootballclub.com/page/LatestHeadlines/0,,10413~1723402,00.html
And profiled Burnley Site
Eckersley Signs In
Posted on: Wed 15 Jul 2009
Burnley Football Club have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Richard Eckersley.
The 20-year old has agreed a four-year deal at Turf Moor after turning down a new contract at Old Trafford.
As a result of the player's age, the Clarets will now look to agree a fee with United, who are entitled to compensation.
Eckersley made his first-team debut for the Red Devils in the FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur in January 2009, when he came on as a second-half substitute.
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The Salford-born defender made his first appearance for United's reserve team in February 2007, when he played in a goalless draw away to Bolton Wanderers.
In May 2007 he was named at right-back for the final of the Manchester Senior Cup against Manchester City, which they lost 3-1.
The following season saw Eckersley emerge as a regular reserve team player, making 23 appearances in all competitions.
He continued in the reserve team throughout the 2008/09 season, finally making his first-team debut against Spurs in the FA Cup.
The right-back's Premier League debut came three days later on 27th January 2009 when he was again a second-half substitute, this time against West Bromwich Albion.
Eckersley, who will wear squad number 17 at Turf Moor, becomes Burnley's fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Tyrone Mears, Steven Fletcher, David Edgar and Brian Easton.
www.burnleyfootballclub.com/page/LatestHeadlines/0,,10413~1722908,00.html
