Reg Ryan

Early years

Ryan initially played gaelic football for the Marino School in Dublin while growing up, but then switched to soccer after moving to Blackpool during the early years of the Second World War. He then played with Claremount School, Blackpool Boys, various factory teams and had trials with both Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest before joining Nuneaton Borough.

Coventry City

Ryan had two spells with Coventry City. In April 1943 he signed for the club as an amateur and during the 1942–43 season he played 2 games in wartime regional leagues. He then turned professional in August 1944 and made a further 4 appearances for the club during the 1944–45 wartime season. After playing for West Bromwich Albion and Derby County, he returned to City in September 1958. He then helped the club win promotion from the newly formed Division Four, after they finished as runners-up in 1959. During his second spell with City he played 70 times in all competitions.

West Bromwich Albion

In April 1945 Ryan signed for West Bromwich Albion and during the 1945–46 season, he made 17 appearances in the Football League South. He made his debut for the club against Millwall in November 1945. Together with Davy Walsh and Jackie Vernon, he helped West Brom gain promotion to the First Division in 1949. In 1954, together with Ronnie Allen and Frank Griffin, he was also a member of the West Brom team that finished as First Division runners-up and FA Cup winners. He also…

West Bromwich Albion

FA Cup: 1953–54 Derby County * Third Division North: 1956-57