Kieran Richardson reveals the Roy Keane factor saw him turn down Everton move to join Sunderland

Kieran Richardson has revealed that Roy Keane was the main reason behind his decision to join Sunderland over Everton in 2007. Richardson made the move to the Stadium of Light from Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson had told him it was time to move on.

The Black Cats had just been promoted to the Premier League under Keane in what was his first job in management. Richardson knew Keane, though, from his days at Manchester United as Keane was the club’s captain during his early days as a player at the club.

The eight-time capped England international had two choices upon his departure from the Red Devils, with Everton and Sunderland chasing his signature. And while the Toffees had just sealed a place in Europe after a sixth-place finish, Richardson chose a move to Wearside in order to be reunited with Keane.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s ‘ Vibe with Five Podcast’, he said: “Roy [Keane] was the manager of Sunderland and I had a great relationship with Roy. Throughout my whole career - Sunderland, Aston Villa - I went to Villa because of Roy. A lot of people don’t know that but he was the assistant at the time.

“I went to Sunderland but could’ve gone to Everton as well, a lot of players who played for Man United ended up at Everton because they’re in the same area. All our houses are in the same area.

“You’ve got Tim Howard, Phil Neville but I decided not to go to Everton, only because of my connection with Roy. They’d just come up into the Premier League as well.”

Richardson then added: “Yeah he [David Moyes was the manager]. He was doing a great job as well. Everton’s a big club but I just had my connection with Roy.

“I’ve always had the respect for Roy as a captain and a person, I always liked what he’s about and