Liam Burns (born 30 October 1978) is a Northern Irish former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. He started his career in England with Port Vale, playing over 100 games in the English Football League for the club between 1997 and 2004. He then spent brief spells with Bristol Rovers, Shrewsbury Town, Kidderminster Harriers, and Forest Green Rovers, before moving to Ireland in 2005 to sign with Sligo Rovers. He helped Sligo to the League of Ireland First Division title in 2005, before moving on to Bohemians the following year. The club finished as League of Ireland Cup runners-up in 2007, and then League of Ireland and FAI Cup champions in 2008. He switched to Dundalk in 2009. He returned to Bohemians in 2011, before joining Dundalk for a second time in January 2012. Career Port Vale Burns was born in Belfast, but began his career in England as a trainee with Port Vale. He made his First Division debut in 1997–98 under manager John Rudge, coming on for Gareth Griffiths at half-time in a 4–2 defeat to Sunderland at Roker Park. He played four games in 1998–99, making his first start on 6 February, in a 2–0 win over Huddersfield Town. He became a regular under new manager Brian Horton in 1999–2000, making 25 appearances in league and cup, as the "Valiants" suffered relegation into the Second Division. He was transfer listed following the club's humiliating FA Cup defeat to Canvey Island, leaving him restricted to 15 appearances in 2000–01; one of these appearances was as a goalkeeper, as on 24 March Mark Goodlad was stretchered off after suffering head injuries on 28 minutes – Burns then went in goal and managed to keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Wigan Athletic. He returned to regular first team action in 2001–02, playing 39 games in league and cup, and signing a new contract in February 2002. However the arrivals of Sam Collins and Ian Brightwell pushed Burns down the pecking order, and he was limited to 19 appearances in 2002–03. He scored his only goal at Vale Park on 8 November 2003, in a 2–2 draw with Ford United in the FA Cup. He played 30 games in 2003–04, but was released by manager Martin Foyle in May 2004. In seven years with the club he played 119 league and 14 cup games. Departing England Burns