Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson is grateful for his grounding at West Ham United.

Richardson left the Hammers for Manchester United as a teenager before eventually signing for Sunderland.

"I was there about five years and a great time," recalled a player whose attacking impetus from midfield has been missed. "The youth set-up was great but I left for United. It will be nice to go back there and play.

"They were great times, I knew Anton (Ferdinand) back then too. But when a club like United want you, you can't really say no.

"I used to support Arsenal as a youngster but playing for West Ham, I did love them. My dad is a West Ham fan so he might be upset if I put one past them on Saturday. I can't wait. The (West Ham) fans won't be bothered. I never played for the first team and I left when I was 15. I'm just looking at getting the job done for Sunderland."