Richards back in New York

Last updated : 08 March 2015 By Tony Scholes

Richards, who made just two substitute appearances for the Clarets at Barnsley in the cup and at home in the league against Huddersfield, joined the Norwegian club initially on loan but made the move a permanent one when his contract at Burnley was terminated.

We'd signed him from the MLS where he'd most recently played for Vancouver Whitecaps. He was with New York Red Bulls at the time we agreed the deal with him, and that's where he'd played for some five years prior to being traded to Vancouver for Sebastian Le Toux.

He's made the second most appearances for Red Bulls and has been back on trial before rejoining them yesterday on a permanent deal.

Coach Jesse Marsch confirmed that, at 31, he was not as quick as he had been previously, but said of his new recruit: "Dane came into camp ready. This fan base knows what he can do on the field, but in talking with Dane he's shown that he's matured and his understanding of the game has improved.

"We're still figuring out exactly how he fits into this team, but we think he can be a factor over the course of the season."

The New York Post revealed that in his first spell. his speed was his only asset and he often caused frustration by the lack of sophistication in his game but he did almost single handed put them into the 2008 MLS Cup Final when he shredded Houston's vulnerable back line.

Sporting director Ali Curtis said yesterday: "Dane comes back as a veteran, and a guy who we think can bring another element to this line up. We think he can play a role here and help us achieve success over the course of a long season."

Red Bulls kick off their 2015 season tonight with an away game against Sporting Kansas City.