Newcastle United’s transfer window will have pleased fans so far, but not much news will have been more warmly received than when their bid for Dan Burn was accepted.
The Blyth lad played for Newcastle United as a young boy, but his first stint at the club did not work out so he had to battle his way to the Premier League the hard way.
After playing for Blyth Spartans, he was signed by Darlington, then played for Fulham, Yeovil Town, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic, before arriving at Brighton & Hove Albion.
He has by all accounts been a great servant for Brighton, but now Newcastle's bid for the 29-year-old has been accepted and it is hoped he will be a Newcastle player by tomorrow.
Here is what some players and managers who worked with him said over the years:
Alan Watson, 2009
As a teenager, Burn played for England in the Clubs for Young People competition, a Sunday league tournament, where manager Alan Watson said: "He is tall and rangy and I have already told him he could be the next Tony Adams. That is quite an accolade, but I would not say it if I did not believe it could become the case.”
Steve Staunton, 2010
After Burn signed for Darlington, manager Steve Staunton said: "He is a tall young lad and looks a bit ungainly at times. But he is composed on the ball and will get stronger.”
Mark Cooper, 2012
Another Darlington manager, Mark Cooper, said: "If I was a Premier League manager I'd sign him straight away. He's 6ft 6in, he's a left-footed centre back and they don't grow on trees. He's played too many games for him to be a flash in the pan."
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Byron Webster, 2013
After Burn scored in the League One play-off final for Yeovil at Wembley, his defensive partner Byron Webster said: "Dan's going to be a really good player. He’s come from Darlington where he's had the lows and he's gone to the top and isn't taking anything for granted."
Lee Clark, 2014
Burn went out on loan from Fulham to Birmingham, but after playing well he returned to the London side, much to Birmingham manager Lee Clark's chagrin: "He's been playing too well, which is a double-edged sword […] The Premier League is where Dan wants to be and that's where I knew he'd end up going."
Gary Caldwell, 2016
As manager of Wigan Athletic, Gary Caldwell said: "Dan fits our profile exactly - young, hungry, experienced at this level and the desire to progress with us."
Chris Hughton, 2019
Burn signed for Brighton, but was down the pecking order from Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk, as manager Chris Hughton said: "Anyone that comes in has to be realistic, we have two centre-halves who are in good form and having good seasons. But you certainly don't expect players to play a full season and you have to look for your opportunities."
Graham Potter, 2020
Under the next Brighton manager Graham Potter, Burn grabbed his opportunity and was rewarded with a new deal, which prompted Potter to say: "This new contract is a reward for Dan's consistent and impressive performances so far this season. He became a key part of the team before his injury setback.”
