Sunderland sign Richardson
After a string of summer arrivals, Kieran Richardson became the
first player to walk through the Old Trafford exit door when he
joined Sunderland on Monday in a four-year deal that sees the
England international reunite with Reds legend Roy Keane.
Richardson, who played alongside Keane at Old Trafford between 2002
and 2005, was also thought to be a target for Everton and
Middlesbrough. But Black Cats boss Keane came up trumps in the
pursuit for the 22-year-old and now hopes the speedy midfielder can
bolster his Championship-winning squad.
"I'm delighted we've been able to bring Kieran to Sunderland,"
Keane said.
"Having worked with him in the past I'm well aware of what a good
player and a good lad he is. He's ready for a fresh challenge and
hopefully Sunderland will provide that for him."
Richardson, who is expected to feature in Sunderland's friendly
against Darlington on Wednesday, described the move as
"exciting".
"I know all about Roy Keane and I'm looking forward to playing for
his team. Sunderland is a big club and it's a great move for
me."
Richardson joined United in July 2001 after a trainee spell at West
Ham but didn't make his Reds debut until the following October when
he came off the bench in a 3-2 Champions League victory over
Olympiakos. Two weeks later he scored with a flying header against
Leicester on his home debut.
Over the next 18 months, Richardson was handed only sporadic
opportunities to prove his worth and, like so many other United
youngsters, made his real mark away from Old Trafford during a loan
spell.
At West Bromwich Albion, under the stewardship of Bryan Robson,
Richardson excelled in the heart of the Baggies' midfield. His
confidence grew during his six months at The Hawthorns and he
returned to Old Trafford in May 2005 a more mature player.
Now a full England international after being handed his first
senior cap bySven Goran Eriksson, Richardson was primed to play a
bigger role in United's 2005/06 campaign. Indeed, he made 36
appearances, including 22 starts, as United challenged Chelsea for
the Barclays Premier League crown.
Despite continual development, Richardson was never able to hold
down a regular first-team spot. He was again used sparingly in
2006/07 and the recent arrivals of Owen Hargreaves, Nani and
Anderson seemed to spell the end of his United career.
Richardson joins Sunderland having scored 11 times in 81
appearances for the Reds, the best undoubtedly a superb individual
effort against Charlton on the final day of the 2005/06
season.
