Former Manchester United youngster Richard Eckersley now has a very different and interesting career path after hanging up his boots.
The Salford-born defender developed through Manchester United’s youth system, making his debut for the club in 2009 under Sir Alex Ferguson, when United were the reigning Premier League and European champions.
Eckersley made his first-team debut in January, coming off the bench for Fabio in an FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur. He later made his Premier League debut, replacing Gary Neville in a 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion. That season, he was on the bench for the League Cup final against Spurs, contributing to United’s victory and earning a winners’ medal.
After that season, Eckersley left United, opting not to sign a new contract, and joined Burnley. His career included loan spells at Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City, and Bury.
He then moved to the MLS, first with Toronto FC and later with the New York Red Bulls. Following his time in the States, he joined Oldham Athletic but ultimately decided to retire from football in 2016.
### Former Man Utd Youngster Richard Eckersley’s Unique Career Shift
Richard Eckersley, the former Manchester United defender, has taken a notably different path since retiring from professional football. The Salford-born player came through United’s youth ranks and made his debut in 2009 under Sir Alex Ferguson, at a time when the club was enjoying considerable success.
Eckersley made his first-team debut in January, coming off the bench in an FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur, and later made his Premier League debut by replacing Gary Neville in a 5-0 win over West Bromwich Albion. That season, he was on the bench for the League Cup final, contributing to United’s victory and earning a winners’ medal despite only playing four times.
After leaving United, Eckersley joined Burnley and had loan spells at Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City, and Bury. He also played in Major League Soccer for Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls before finishing his career at Oldham Athletic in 2016.
Since hanging up his boots, Eckersley has embarked on a unique venture. He and his wife, Nicola, opened the UK’s first zero-waste shop, Earth.Food.Love, in Totnes, Devon. Eckersley, who is vegan, also runs a plant-based milk company called ReRooted, which distributes products across the UK.
Reflecting on their decision to relocate and start a new life in Devon, Eckersley said, “We sat on the beach and decided we wanted to make this our home… We wanted to invest back into the community.” The idea for a zero-waste shop came from inspiration he gathered while in Germany, where he saw the concept in action.
Eckersley’s journey illustrates a remarkable transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur focused on sustainability and community investment.
