English Premier League - Player Profile: Richard Dunne
Richard Dunne is an Irish born international footballer who currently plies his trade with the English Premier League side Aston Villa. Dunne was born in Tallaght, Ireland and plays as a central defender. Dunne’s first proper English football club was Manchester City, who signed him in the summer of 200 for three million pounds.
City had signed the Irish defender as a replacement for Richard Edghill, another defender at the Mancunian club. Dunne most played in the center of City’s defense and was a very loyal servant to the men in blue in his time in the North of England. His tackling ability coupled with his aerial prowess allowed City to maintain defensive control on their opponents throughout their matches. In his first season at the club, for the first few games City opted to play a three man defense rather than a more conventional flat back four.
Under the manager, Kevin Keegan after City had been relegated to English football’s second division also known as the Football Championship, Manchester City suspended Dunne due to disciplinary problems which emerged in several off the field incidents involving the Irishman. After the suspension many thought that Richard’s time with City was over but he came back strongly and embarked on a strict fitness regime, which helped him, fight his way back into the club’s starting eleven.
Dunne’s performances for City’s senior team squad resulted in him winning the Manchester City player of the year award for 2004-2005; he continued his superb form in the center of defense and won the award again in 2005-2006, 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. In doing so he became the first Manchester City player to win the prestigious award four times.
In 2006, amidst rumors that City’s club captain Sylvain Distin was leaving the club for greener pastures, Dunne was made the senior team captain. His team mates at City also praised him for his dedicated and commitment on the field for the club, as in 2007, his fellow team mate Micah Richards said that, Dunne had been quality ever since Micah had arrived at the club. He also went onto compare the Irishman with famous English defenders such as Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.
On the 4th of July, 2008, Dunne signed a four year contract with City but this action was off no use as soon the club was taken over by rich Arab owners, who wanted to expand Manchester City’s market value to continents such as Asia and Australia. Therefore, Dunne was sold by City to Aston Villa because the veteran defender was not as marketable as certain other players in the Manchester City squad.
Villa completed Dunne’s signing on 27th of August, 2009. The transfer fee that was agreed by both the clubs was around five million pounds. Dunne sustained his good form in his performances for his new club, Aston Villa. His displays earned him a place in the PFA Team of the year for the season 2009-2010. Richard will be looking to continue his efficient defensive performances for Villa in the upcoming season which kicks off on 14th of August, 2010.
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