Stan Signs Rovers Defender

By Longsider
December 11 2003

Stan Ternent has made another signing from local rivals Blackburn Rovers today. 18 yeard old James McEveley has arrived for a 3 month loan deal and will help strengthen the side at the back.

Stan Ternent has been saying for the last few weeks that he wanted to strengthen the side and today he's come good with the loan signing of James McEveley, from Blackburn Rovers, for the next 3 months.

The Liverpool born lad, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, has been on the fringes of the first team squad for some time now but hasn't managed to get any action so far this season.

The higly rated the defender made his debut for the club last season against Walsall in the Worthington Cup. his Premiership debut arrived against Bolton shortly afterwards. He played in 9 games last season but hasn't played a game so far this season.

Manager Graham Souness thinks very highly off the lad and had this to say just over a year ago.

"We think we’ve won the lottery, but don’t let him hear me say that," Souness said. "James has a big future as long as he doesn’t get big-headed. Just think of it — playing in the Premiership at 17. You’d give anything for that."

Its the second time that Burnley have signed a defender from Rovers, following Andy Todd, and if McEveley can have half the success of Todd then it should prove to be a good signing. McEveley is predominantly a centre half although he has played a few games at left back.