Richard Eckersley (footballer)

Richard Jon Eckersley (born 12 March 1989) is an English former professional footballer who played as a full-back.

Richard Eckersley
Eckersley playing for New York Red Bulls in 2014
Personal information
Full name Richard Jon Eckersley
Date of birth (1989-03-12) 12 March 1989[1]
Place of birth Salford, Manchester, England
Position(s) Full-back
Youth career
2005–2007 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2009 Manchester United 2 (0)
2009–2012 Burnley 0 (0)
2010 → Plymouth Argyle (loan) 7 (0)
2010–2011 → Bradford City (loan) 12 (0)
2011 → Bury (loan) 3 (0)
2011 → Toronto FC (loan) 23 (0)
2012–2013 Toronto FC 49 (0)
2014 New York Red Bulls 9 (0)
2014 New York Red Bulls II 4 (0[2])
2015–2016 Oldham Athletic 4 (0)
Total 113 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Richard Eckersley began his career with Manchester United before signing a four-year contract with Burnley in July 2009. After joining Burnley, he spent loan spells with Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City and Bury. He went on loan to Toronto FC in 2011 before making a permanent transfer to the club the following season.

Career

Manchester United

Eckersley was born in Salford, Greater Manchester.[3] and grew up in Walkden. [4] He made his first appearance for Manchester United in February 2004, when he played for the under-17 side as a 14-year-old against Manchester City. He joined the club as a trainee in July 2005, and started playing for the under-18s soon after. However, a long-term injury kept him out of contention for almost eight months, and he only made three appearances in the 2005–06 season. In 2006–07, he established himself as a regular in the under-18 side, making 25 appearances in all competitions. He also made his first appearance for the reserve team on 15 February 2007, when he played in a goalless draw away to Bolton Wanderers. On 8 May 2007, he was named at right back for the final of the Manchester Senior Cup against Manchester City; the team lost the match 3–1.

The following season saw Eckersley emerge as a regular reserve team player, making 23 appearances in all competitions as the team reached the final of the Lancashire Senior Cup and the final of the Manchester Senior Cup for the second year in a row. Eckersley played in both matches, and finally got his hands on a Manchester Senior Cup winners' medal at the second time of asking. He also got his first taste of first team football in December 2007, when he was named as an unused substitute for United's dead rubber Champions League group stage match against Roma.[5]

He continued in the reserve team in 2008–09, and was also named on the bench for the first team's 3–1 League Cup third round win over Middlesbrough.[6] He made his first team debut in an FA Cup fixture at home to Tottenham Hotspur on 24 January 2009, coming on as a 53rd-minute substitute for fellow debutant Fábio da Silva.[7] His league debut came three days later, on 27 January 2009, when he came on as a 71st-minute substitute for Gary Neville in a 5–0 win over West Bromwich Albion.[8] On 1 March 2009, Eckersley was named on the substitutes bench for the League Cup Final which United won 4–1 on penalties, this gave Eckersley the first medal of his career.

Burnley

On 15 July 2009, Eckersley signed a four-year contract with Premier League newcomers Burnley. Although Eckersley had refused the offer of a new contract with Manchester United, as he was under the age of 24, his old club was entitled to compensation from Burnley.[9] Eckersley made his Burnley debut in the 2009–10 Football League Cup, playing in the club's second round match against Hartlepool United. Although Eckersley was sent off in the tenth minute of extra time, Burnley went on to win the match 2–1.[10]

On 5 March 2010, Eckersley joined Plymouth Argyle on a one-month loan deal as cover for the injured Réda Johnson.[11][12] The move also allowed Eckersley much-needed match experience, having made just three cup appearances for Burnley since joining from Manchester United.[13] Eckersley made his Plymouth Argyle debut the next day, where he made his first start, in a 1–0 win over Preston North End.[14] On 1 April 2010, the loan was extended until the end of the season.[15]

On 12 November 2010, he had another loan spell, this time with League Two side Bradford City until 3 January 2011.[16] Eckersley made his Bradford City debut on 20 November 2010, where he made his first Bradford City start, in a 1–0 loss against Macclesfield Town.[17] His loan spell was extended for another month, before he returned after playing 13 games.[18]

On 14 March 2011, he joined Bury on yet another loan spell, until the end of the season, and was given the number 27 shirt.[19] Eckersley made his Bury debut the next day, on 15 March 2011, in a 2–1 loss against Torquay United.[20] Eckersley went on to make three appearances for the club.

Toronto FC

It was announced on 15 April 2011 that he would be moving to Major League Soccer side Toronto FC on loan until January 2012.[21] The move found the defender again paired with Toronto's current Director of Player Development Paul Mariner, who served as Plymouth's manager during the defender's stint with the club.[22] Eckersley made his debut for Toronto on 23 April 2011 in a 1–1 home draw against Columbus Crew as a second half sub for Javier Martina.[23] Due to the season-ending injury to Adrian Cann and long term injury of Dicoy Williams, Coach Aron Winter was forced to use Eckerley in the centre of defence in early July and was extremely impressive in two consecutive victories over Vancouver Whitecaps.[24] In his first season at the club Eckersley helped Toronto win the Canadian Championship, starting both legs of the final against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, winning 3-2 on aggregate.

On 25 January 2012, Burnley announced the cancellation of Eckersley's contract by mutual consent, allowing him to make a permanent move to Toronto FC.[25] Toronto FC announced his permanent move to the club on 26 January 2012.[26] Eckersley's first game after signing for the club on a permanent basis came in the opening game of the season, where he made his first start, in a 3–1 loss against Seattle Sounders on 17 March 2012.[27] Eckersley then provided an assist for Ryan Johnson to score the only goal for Toronto, as they lost 2–1 against Sporting Kansas City.[28] For the second time running, Eckersley established himself in the right–back position,[29] though played in the centre–back with Darren O'Dea[30] and helped Toronto to another Canadian Championship later that season.

In the 2013, Eckersley started well at the start of the season until he injured his hamstring against FC Dallas, on 6 April 2013 while celebrating a late goal by teammate Darel Russell, in the 90th minute, that tied the game.[31] After missing nine games with the club as a result of the injury, the club stated on 29 May 2013 that the fullback had re-torn the muscle in training, and his return would be delayed.[32] After spending two months on the sidelines, Eckersley made his return to training on 10 July 2013[33] and made his first team return four days later, in a 1–0 loss against Sporting Kansas City.[34] As a result of these injuries, he was limited to only 16 league appearances in 2013. At the end of the season, Eckersley was expected to leave the club.[35]

New York Red Bulls

On 27 January 2014, Toronto FC traded Eckersley to New York Red Bulls in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.[36]

Eckersley made his New York Red Bulls debut in the opening game of the season, in a 4–1 loss against Vancouver Whitecaps on 9 March 2014.[37] After starting the first few games of the season Eckersley lost his place due to injury,[38] but by season's end he reclaimed his starting role and helped the club qualify for the playoffs. Eckersley finished the season very strong playing an important role in the team getting to the eastern conference final.[39]

On 2 December 2014, New York Red Bulls announced that Eckersley would listen to offers elsewhere once his contract expires with major league on 31 December 2014.[40]

Oldham Athletic

After leaving New York Red Bulls, Eckersley went on trial at La Liga side Elche[41] and Southend United, but didn't get a contract.[42]

Eckersley returned to England, signing for League One side Oldham Athletic on a three–month contract on 18 September 2015.[43] After appearing in the first team as an un-used substitute against Doncaster Rovers the next day,[44] Eckersley made his Oldham Athletic debut, where he came on as a substitute for Daniel Lafferty in the 63rd minute, in a 0–0 draw against Rochdale on 24 October 2015.[45]

Then on 18 December 2015, Eckersley signed a one–month contract[46] However, Eckersley suffered ankle injury soon after and was released by the club, though he continued to rehabilitation with the club until it recovered.[47][48]

Personal life

He is the younger brother of footballer Adam Eckersley and older brother of Mike Eckersley.[49] Eckersley is a vegan and enthusiastic on guitar.[50] He now runs a zero waste shop in Totnes.[51][52]

Career statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueCup1League Cup2Continental3Other4Total
LeagueAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Manchester United2008–09Premier League202000000040
Burnley2009–10001020—30
2010–11Championship00001010
2011–1200000000
Totals001030—40
Plymouth Argyle (loan)2009–10Championship700000——70
Bradford City (loan)2010–11League Two1200000120
Bury (loan)2010–11League One30000030
Toronto2011MLS23040—450310
201233040760460
201316000—160
Totals72080–110–910
New York Red Bulls2014MLS9000—3050170
Oldham Athletic2015–16League One402000—60
Career totals109013030140501390
Reference:[53]

Honours

[56]

Club
Manchester United
Toronto FC

Individual

References
  1. "Richard Eckersley". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  2. "R. ECKERSLEY". Soccerway. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  3. "Eckersley off to Burnley". Manchester Evening News. 15 July 2009. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  4. Eckersley, Richard. "Utd Unscripted". Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  5. Stevenson, Jonathan (12 December 2007). "Roma 1–1 Man Utd". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  6. "Man Utd 3–1 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 23 September 2008. Retrieved 18 January 2009.
  7. Hughes, Ian (24 January 2009). "Man Utd 2–1 Tottenham". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 24 January 2009.
  8. McNulty, Phil (27 January 2009). "West Brom 0–5 Man Utd". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 28 January 2009.
  9. Hibbs, Ben (15 July 2009). "Eckersley joins Burnley". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. Retrieved 15 July 2009.
  10. "Hartlepool 1–2 Burnley". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 25 August 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2009.
  11. "Plymouth Argyle to sign Burnley's Richard Eckersely [sic]". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 5 March 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
  12. "Eckersley Set To Sign". pafc.co.uk. Plymouth Argyle F.C. 5 March 2010. Archived from the original on 8 March 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
  13. "Eckersley's Set To Be A Pilgrim". burnleyfootballclub.com. Burnley FC. 5 March 2010. Archived from the original on 7 March 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
  14. "Johnson earns a Pilgrim point". Sky Sports. 6 March 2010. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  15. "Eckersley Extended". pafc.co.uk. Plymouth Argyle FC. 1 April 2010. Archived from the original on 5 April 2010. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
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  17. "Bradford City 0 – 1 Macclesfield Town". BBC Sport. 20 November 2010. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  18. "Loan duo leave the Bantams". Bradford City A.F.C. 7 February 2011. Archived from the original on 11 February 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
  19. "Defender joins from Burnley". buryfc.co.uk. Bury FC. 14 March 2011. Archived from the original on 16 April 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2011.
  20. "Bury 1 – 2 Torquay United". Manchester Evening News. 15 March 2011. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  21. "Toronto take Eckersley". SkySports. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 15 April 2011.
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  29. "Eckersley Eager Game Action". Toronto FC. 2 September 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  30. "Eckersley Expressive". Toronto FC. 22 August 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  31. "Toronto FC's Richard Eckersley tells the Sun: We're panicking | LarSun on the Reds". Blogs.canoe.ca. 13 June 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  32. "Toronto FC: Koevermans comeback iffy, Eckersley reinjured". The Star. Toronto.
  33. "Eckersley Returns To Squad". Toronto FC. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  34. "Sporting Kansas City 3-0 Toronto FC: Saad leads KC atop East". Goal.com. 14 July 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  35. "TFC's Eckersley on way out". Toronto Sun. 20 October 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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  37. "Red Bull Rewind Vancouver Horror Movies". The New York Times. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  38. "Match Preview: Montreal Impacts vs New York Red Bulls, April 5, 2014". New York Red Bulls. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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  40. "Red Bulls announce Contract options not being exercised 2015 season". New York Red Bulls. 2 December 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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  42. "Former Manchester United trainee Richard Eckersley set for trial with Southend United". Daily Echo. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  43. "Oldham Athletic: Richard Eckersley and Jay Fulton join". BBC Sport. 18 September 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  44. "Signs are positive as Dunn stops the bleeding". Oldham Chronicle. 21 September 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  45. "Rochdale 0 – 0 Oldham Athletic". BBC Sport. 24 October 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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  47. "Ricardo Fuller Released". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 19 January 2016. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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  49. "Ex-Man United player joins Boro". Manchester Evening News. 4 June 2009. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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  51. From playing with Ronaldo to opening a 'no packaging' supermarket in Totnes (retrieved 2 September 2017)
  52. "Richard Eckersley: From Manchester United to zero waste shop owner". BBC Sport. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  53. "Richard Eckersley » Club matches". World Football. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  54. "Richard Eckersley » CONCACAF Champions League 2011/2012". World Football. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  55. "Richard Eckersley » CONCACAF Champions League 2012/2013". World Football. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  56. "England - R. Eckersley - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway".
  57. Bostock, Adam (4 May 2010). "De Laet's delight". ManUtd.com. Manchester United Football Club. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
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