Shamrock Rovers F.C. have secured the signature of Tipperary born Richie Ryan. The 28-year-old Ryan left Dundee United at the end of last season, having moved there following a three-year period at Sligo Rovers.
Ryan played his days with Belvedere before moving abroad. He started his professional career at Sunderland, making two substitute appearances in the Premier League in 2003.
He then signed for Scunthorpe United in 2005, before signing for Boston United in 2006. He left the club a year later after their double relegation, intent on returning to Ireland and spent a season with Royal Antwerp, before moving back to Sligo Rovers.
He scored his first goal for the club in a 2-2 draw with Cork City in the Setanta Cup, Sligo’s first ever goal in this competition. He struggled, due to fitness issues, to get a regular place in the side for his first year and a half, but came into his own with a string of highly impressive passing displays in the successful 2010 season.
In 2010 Ryan won the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) “Player of the Year,” award. He was named as club captain for the 2011 season and captained the club to a second place finish in the league and an FAI Cup, which Sligo won after beating Shelbourne on penalties. This was Ryan’s first time winning an FAI Cup having been suspended for the 2010 final.
Ryan signed for Scottish Premier League side Dundee United in November 2011. He joined his new team mates in January 2012, making his début as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat by Aberdeen on January 2nd.
On the 25th July 2013 it was announced that Richie had left Dundee United by mutual consent. Today it was announced that Richie had signed for Shamrock Rovers.
Maybe he will find time to join us in Thurles for the Ryan Gathering Weekend beginning August 23rd – 25th, 2013.
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