Eckersley signs for Bradford City

Eckersley has struggled to make an impact at Turf Moor and his only appearances in the first team have been in the cup competitions. He spent the end of last season on loan at Plymouth and has now moved to the Bradford & Bingley Pulse Flamingo Land Pension Fund Intersonic Coral Windows Stadium under the legend in his own mind Peter Taylor.

Brian Laws said: "It has been difficult to get Richard games so this is a good opportunity for him. He's going to a club that gets crowds of 10,000 so he will be playing in a fantastic atmosphere at a good stadium.

"He's also going to play under an excellent manager in Peter Taylor so it's a good move all round."

Whilst Eckersley moves out, Burnley prepare for the returns of Wes Fletcher, Kevin Long and Kevin McDonald from their respective loans at Stockport, Accrington and Scunthorpe. Laws plans talks next week regarding potential extensions to the loans with at least one of them set to continue.