Toronto FC signs defender Eckersley

12:32 PM, Jan 26, 2012   |    comments
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Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Toronto FC signed defender Richard Eckersley on Thursday.

Eckersley, 22, joined Toronto FC on loan from Burnley last April and played 23 matches for the Major League Soccer club. He started 22 of those matches, and also made six appearances in the CONCACAF Champions League.

"Signing Richard was a very high offseason priority," said Toronto FC manager and technical director Aron Winter.

"This signing represents another successful step in our off season progress as a club. Richard is an important player for our club. We know our fans will be excited to see Richard on the pitch."

Eckersley started his youth career with Manchester United and played two games for the Premiership giants. Eckersley signed a four-year deal with Burnley in July 2009 and had loan deals at Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City and Bury before finally landing with Toronto FC.

As per team and league policies, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Sports Network