Dundee United’s new signing says the Irish contingent already at the club should help to make him feel at home.
The Tangerines have secured Sligo Rovers captain Richie Ryan on a 2-year contract. The two-times Irish player of the year has been persuaded to join the Tangerines and will add strength and experience to their midfield.
The 26-year-old midfielder impressed during a recent spell training with Peter Houston’s squad and United fought off interest from Championship side Peterborough to land the player.
United boss Houston travelled to Dublin to watch the Irish Player of the Year in the FAI Cup final against Shelbourne earlier this month and watching Ryan lift the cup prompted him to make his move.
Ryan, who was out of contract at Sligo so joins for free, is United’s second signing in as many weeks, following Robbie Neilson through the entrance of Tannadice.
He also boosts Irish representation in the United squad as he joins countrymen Sean Dillon, Jon Daly, Willo Flood and Gavin Gunning.
He said: ”I’m over the moon. It’s nice to know my future is here at Tannadice for at least the next couple of years and I’m looking forward to getting started. With the number of Irish lads already at Tannadice, it’ll be a little bit easier for me to settle in.
”The Irish lads who are here have done well and I know I can bring something to the squad here. I am looking forward to joining up with my teammates in December.”
United boss Houston is thrilled to get his man on board despite interest from elsewhere.
He said: ”Richie is a different type of midfielder to what we already have. He is more of a sitting, defensive player who is strong in the tackle and can pass the ball.
”He is left-footed as well, which adds to the balance of our squad. Having played more than 40 games this season for Sligo, he will now head home for a well-earned break before returning to training with us in late December with a view to making an impact on our squad in January.”