Born:
Joined the Tigers:
13th December 1980, Sheffield
25th September 2003, from Alfreton Town
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Pacy and well-educated right midfielder signed from Alfreton Town for £15,000 plus performance related clauses at the conclusion of his academic career. Prior to signing with City, France had attracted considerable interest from a number of league clubs. He got off to a dream start by scoring on his debut four days after signing, and subsequently built a good reputation for excellence on the right of midfield and versatility in 2-3 other positions. On 17th January 2009 his loyalty to the Tigers was rewarded when he started the Premier League fixture against Arsenal, thus becoming the fourth player (after Ashbee, Myhill and Dawson) to have played for the club in all four divisions. Ryan served the Tigers well, often from the bench (he holds the City record for most sub appearances), and was a key part of the Tigers rise through the divisions.
He was released in June 2009 and earned a dream move to Sheffield United, the side he supported as a boy. But he suffered a severe knee injury and by November 2011 he had retired from playing the game.