New keeper Liversedge can’t wait to get started

READY: Nick Liversedge in action for the Clarets last season. Photo: Andy Ford

The former University of Sunderland student, 24, once with Darlington, has signed for Burnley on a one-year contract following a successful trial.

The Hull-born goalkeeper was recommended by the manager of the University’s 1st XI - former Sunderland captain, Gary Bennett - to Darlington. He then left the University to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

After three years at Darlington in the Football League, he left the club and has most recently been playing for semi-professional Whitby Town FC, who are managed by ex-Sunderland defender, Darren Williams.

Burnley Football Club_Development Squad_( Burnley 1-2 Sunderland) 30/4/13
Deleting this file info is never permitted..© Andy Ford, tel 0793 163 5589.Email: andyford@mac.com.133 Stockbridge Road Padiham Lancashire.NUJ recommended terms & conditions apply. Moral rights asserted under Copyright Designs & Patents Act 1988. Credit is required. No part of this photo to be stored, reproduced, manipulated or transmitted by any means without permission and the appropriate licence. Proof copy required of all reproductions. — Burnley Football Club_Development Squad_( Burnley 1-2 Sunderland) 30/4/13 Deleting this file info is never permitted..© Andy Ford, tel 0793 163 5589.Email: [email protected] Stockbridge Road Padiham Lancashire.NUJ recommended terms & conditions apply. Moral rights asserted under Copyright Designs & Patents Act 1988. Credit is required. No part of this photo to be stored, reproduced, manipulated or transmitted by any means without permission and the appropriate licence. Proof copy required of all reproductions.

Nick joined the University after completing a youth contract at Stevenage Borough and was part of the University’s successful first team during his student years.

Nick said: “Since I left Darlington, I’ve been dreaming of becoming a professional footballer and doing as much as I can to make it happen. It really is a dream come true, and I couldn’t believe it when I got the phone-call telling me the news.

“When I joined the University we had a very good side, with many playing in the Northern League and Gary Bennett got me a trial at Darlington. Without the University I probably wouldn’t have made it in professional football in 2007 and it was a great experience. I never thought I’d make it in professional football through the academic route and Gary has been very supportive of me ever since.”

After regular training sessions at the Clarets under Eddie Howe before he left the club and the current manager Sean Dyche, Nick has agreed a one-year contract with the club, with the option of a further year.

Liversedge from Beverley, Yorkshire, added: “I can’t wait to get started and make the best of my opportunities to be the best I can be. It’s going to be hard, but if I can impress Burnley and play well, then it’ll all be worth it.”

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on iPhone and Android devices.