Striker Ryan leaves Larne to return to Scotland
Andy Ryan joined Larne in January 2023
- Published
Striker Andy Ryan is leaving Irish Premiership champions to return to play football in his native Scotland.
During a three-and-a-half year spell with the Invermen, the prolific forward played a pivotal role in securing three league titles for the east Antrim club, as well as helping secure qualification for the Uefa Conference League league stage and a County Antrim Shield success.
The 31-year-old made 121 appearances for Larne, scoring 70 goals.
"We can confirm Andy Ryan will depart Inver Park upon the expiry of his contract at the club," a statement released by the club on Monday read.
The former Hamilton Accies frontman clinched Larne's place in the Conference League league phase when he scored a hat-trick in the second leg of the Qualifying Round against Lincoln Red Imps in August 2024.
"When Andy arrived there is no doubt Larne were knocking on the door for major honours, but when he came in he was the catalyst to kick us on for the success which followed," said Larne manager Gary Haveron.
"His hat-trick against Lincoln Red Imps will no doubt be one of the main standout memories to clinch qualification for the Conference League.
"Every team needs a goalscorer and Andy provided that for us. He was the talisman who came up trumps time and again.
"One thing many people won't know is his leadership in and around the group. He sets standards in how he trained and if something needed said in the changing room he would have said it and he was above reproach because he would have done his job."
Ryan reflected on his time at the club with satisfaction and thanked everyone at Larne for welcoming him warmly.
"I have really enjoyed my time at the club in what has been a successful period for everyone connected with it.
"During that time I have met so many amazing people – many of them have become friends along the way.
"I just felt it was the right time for me to move on, with three league winners medals it feels like the right time, having lifted one more Gibson Cup."
