29 August 2007 :: by
Chris Hudson
Former Leeds United full-back Ian Harte has returned from Spain to take up a place in the Premier League with Sunderland - now under the managerial command of his Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane.
Ian left Leeds United when they were relegated, securing a one million pound move to Levante. Ian was a big hit with the Spaniards who nicknamed him 'The Bull'.
Ian had a mixed time at Leeds often out of favour with David O'Leary and seen as too slow to be a left-sided full-back in the Premiership, but he could take a penalty and had a impressive goal scoring record from free kicks and must have done something right as he is an member of an exclusive Leeds United club - he is in the top ten Leeds United players of all-time in terms of appearances in European competitions.
He made over 250 appearances for Leeds in all competitions and holds 64 Irish caps and is the nephew of Gary Kelly, Leeds United's former right-back who retired this summer.
Ian spoke of his move on the Black Cats official website,
"It's great to be back in the Premier League and I'm raring to go. I want to get playing as soon as possible."
"This is a good opportunity at a massive club like Sunderland and there are plenty of Irish lads here to make me feel welcome."
Roy Keane said,
"I've played alongside Ian and I know the qualities he can bring to our club."
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