On 26 August 2012 it was confirmed that Richards would join English Championship side Burnley on 1 January 2013 after the end of the MLS season and in the European transfer window. After initially appearing as a substitute in an FA Cup game, Richards appeared to struggle with his positioning on the field. He was given a second chance, this time in a Championship league game against Huddersfield, coming on after 15 minutes for the injured Dean Marney. Richards again struggled to acclimatise to the pace of the game, and was himself substituted after an hour. This would be his last appearance in a Burnley shirt, and he was sent out on loan shortly after.