Ryan marked a fantastic 2007/08 season when he was named as the League Two Apprentice of the Year at the Football League Awards in March.
Arriving at Grimsby as a sixteen year old on his release by Ipswich Town in the summer of 2006, Ryan quickly established himself as one to watch in the Youth and Reserve teams last season.
A calm and composed defender, Ryan opened his account for the Mariners on the opening day of the season scoring with a header in a 1-1 draw with Notts County. A string of consistent performances have followed yet his success on the pitch has also been mirrored off it.
Head of Youth, Neil Woods has kept a close eye on his protégé and states,
“Ryan has impressed everyone with his level headed approach and he has performed to very high standards throughout his Apprenticeship. He has been able to maintain a fantastic approach to his education.”
Ryan is for now, just happy to be a Mariner,
“I have enjoyed my time at Grimsby because I am now part of the first team and that is what every player hopes to achieve.”
“As I have played more and more I have had to come into the education department more in my own time and it’s great because the coaching staff are supportive and always available to help me.”