Ryan Harrington
Name: Ryan Harrington
Date of birth: 03-10-1998
Place of birth: Wrexham
Nationality: Welsh
Language: Welsh
Club: Cove Rangers FC
Favourite position: LB
Favourite foot: Both
Club History:
Wrexham AFC | Youth
Everton FC | Youth
Aberdeen FC | Youth-2019
Montrose FC | 18-19 (loan)
The New Saints FC | 2019-2021
Connah’s Quay Nomads FC | 2021-2024
Cove Rangers FC | 24-…
🎙️ Interview:
Introduce yourself…
Hi my name is Ryan Harrington, I’ve been a professional football for 10 years. I’ve played over 250 professional games including Champions league and Europa League Qualifiers.
You came through the Everton Academy, what was it like stepping into such a renowned setup for the first time?
It was an amazing experience to play for Everton. I did have a few choices when I first heard they were interested but at the time Everton was the best club in England for giving youth opportunities.
Moving from Everton to Aberdeen must have been a big transition, what were the main challenges adapting to Scottish football?
The biggest change was how old school the clubs were, wooden changing rooms, I was cleaning boots for first team player and helping set up goals but it really allowed me to mature as a young boy.
You also had loan spells while at Aberdeen, how did those experiences prepare you for regular senior football?
I think if I hadn’t had gone on loan to Montrose who really looked after me I wouldn’t have been ready to step up into the men’s game the year after so I’m extremely grateful for every opportunity they gave me as a 17/18 year old allowing me regular game time in a men’s game where this is peoples livelihood.
Looking back, what’s the biggest difference between the English youth system and the Scottish professional pathway you followed?
Both pathways are very very different but both had there pros and cons. Biggest difference I would say would be the facilities and what’s available to you in the English system, however in the Scottish system I really enjoyed how together everyone is and how everyone looks after each other.
After Scotland, you headed back to Wales and played in the Cymru Premier League. How did that chapter shape you as a player?
I think at times this is where I played my best football. My last year at Connah’s Quay I had the best goals/assists of any defender in the league. I played under some fantastic managers who really allowed me to flourish and express myself, but also give me the discipline on how to win football matches which is what it always comes down too.
How did that period prepare you mentally and physically for returning to Scottish football?
I think it gave me that hunger to come back to Scotland now as a man and really stamp some authority on the league as a more senior player having played lots of games and won a fair share of trophies.
Since joining Cove Rangers, how have you had to adapt your game to the Scottish style of play compared to your time in Wales or with Aberdeen / Montrose?
I don’t think there has been too much difference in terms of style, I just think that now being a little bit older with more experience, I can now help some of the younger boys in their footballing careers but also still offer goals and assists now I’m coming into my prime years in the game.
You’ve played in European qualifiers, cup finals, etc. Which match or moment stands out as a turning point in your career in terms of belief or confidence?
I think playing for TNS against Copenhagen in the 2nd round of the Champions League Qualifiers. I played CB in that game and had an outstanding game. I was only 19 at the time so this was a really important game for me in terms of my belief knowing that I can definitely as long as I continue to improve making a living out of the game.
What are the individual goals you’ve set for this season (in terms of defending stats, assists, clean sheets, etc.)?
Last season’s having 2 goals and 3 assist was a little less that what I would have liked. Considering the previous season I Wales I achieved 7 goals and 10 assist so if I can push up my numbers to around what I achieved in Wales then I’m sure I would be more than pleased. But at the end of the day it’s how the team performs and if we can win games then that’s the main thing!
