August 26, 2012
A GREAT MOVE BY DANE
Ex-Red Bull Richards to join Burnley in '13

Dane Richards will join Burnley FC in January. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images

Vancouver Whitecaps FC and former Red Bulls midfielder Dane Richards has signed a contract with Burnley Football Club that will have him join the Championship League side following the end of the Major League Soccer season, the Whitecaps announced on Sunday.

Richards, a Jamaican international, was acquired by Whitecaps FC last month in a trade with New York Red Bulls for striker Sebastien Le Toux as well as allocation money.

“Dane is in the final year of his MLS contract, so we knew there was a strong possibility he might get offers from Europe for next season,” Vancouver coach Martin Rennie said. “When we traded for Dane we received allocation money which is a valuable asset in our league. Dane will continue to be an important part of our squad as we push for a playoff spot, and we look forward to his contributions throughout the rest of the season before he starts with his new club Burnley FC.”

The 28-year-old Richards said it was an opportunity than he could not pass up. He will join Burnley in January.

"Burnley FC presented a good opportunity for me to play in Europe for the first time in my career," he said. "At the same time, I am really enjoying my time with Whitecaps FC and will continue to work hard to contribute to the team's success as we move towards the post-season."

Richards joined Whitecaps FC on July 13 after 5 1/2 seasons with the Red Bulls. He has started six of seven matches for 580 minutes, scoring two goals for the Whitecaps.