Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48,353

Keane seals Bardsley deal

23 Jan 2008 - 07:29:38

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Sunderland manager Roy Keane has returned to former club Manchester United again to sign defender Phil Bardsley in a £2million deal.

Keane, who has already signed former Old Trafford team-mates Kieran Richardson, Liam Miller, Dwight Yorke, Andrew Cole, Paul McShane and Jonny Evans, has landed the right-back on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

Bardsley had recently returned to the Premier League leaders following a loan spell at Championship side Sheffield United, where he made 16 appearances.

"We needed to strengthen our defence and Phil is a good addition to the squad," Keane told the club's official website.

Bardsley added: "Sunderland have a fantastic manager who has given me the chance to come here and play.

"I'm delighted, it's a massive club and a good opportunity."

The 22-year-old has made eight Premier League appearances for the Red Devils after progressing through the club's youth system.