NIFG

Reg Ryan ‘The Schemer”  Part Three  ( Part One  -  Part Two  - Part Three )  By Gavan Bergin On November 18th 1952, Reg Ryan was playing for Ireland against France at Dalymount Park in Dublin when the crash barriers at each end of the ground broke and the crowd spilled onto the pitch, causing the match to be halted by the referee. It was a scene of mayhem, with the loudspeaker booming out threats to abandon the game, while ambulance men carried away people who had fainted in the crush. After a while, though, the Guards restored order and, with spectators sitting on the ground all along the touchline, the game restarted. France were quick to get back on top of the play, they immediately forced some good chances and within a minute or two they had the ball in the Irish net again-but their goal was ruled out again because of handball. That didn't go down well with France, who began to show their irritation at some s...

Reg Ryan ‘The Schemer”  Part Three  ( Part One - Part Two )  By Gavan Bergin Reg Ryan stayed with West Bromwich Albion for ten years. He played 272 matches, scored 31 goals, made many more goals, and won the Cup for West Brom. It was time to move on.  In July 1955, he signed for Derby County and was immediately made captain of the club. He did a great job as a leader and as a player for Derby. In 1955/56 he played 46 league games and captained Derby to the runners-up spot in the Third Division . The following season he scored 12 goals in 45 games for Derby, who won the Third Division. That was the first trophy the club had won since 1946, and it earned them promotion to the Second Division. In '57/'58, Reg was top scorer for Derby, with 14 goals in 41 games, and he led his players brilliantly in their successful battle against relegation.  That was his last good work for Derby. He left soon afterwards. His three great seasons became part of club folklore and in...

REG RYAN - THE SCHEMER By Gavan Bergin Part One Reg Ryan was born in Dublin in October 1925. He lived in the Marino area of Dublin until the late 1930s, when he emigrated with his family to England.  Reg was very good at sports. He played Gaelic football in Ireland, then when he moved to England he took up soccer. He played schoolboy football for Blackpool FC, then works football for the Sunbeam Cars factory team in Coventry. By the time he was sixteen he had a reputation as one of the best young players around. Sheffield United took him on trial in 1941, then Nottingham Forest trialled him in 1942. Coventry City FC signed him up in April 1943. At that time, due to the Second World War, the Football League had been reorganised into various regional "wartime"; leagues. Coventry were in the Midland Regional League when Reg made his debut for them during the 1942/43 season. But though the wartime leagues may not have been up to the standard of ...