RYAN Shaughnessy should feel right at home in the red, black and white of Albany Creek Excelsior (ACE).
For they are the same colours as one of his previous clubs – Manchester United!
Ryan, now 30, spent three years (1999-2003) in United’s youth set-up and said he had “very good memories and learned a lot”.
The winger/striker has spent the last two years in Sydney’s eastern suburbs with NSW NPL 3 side Dunbar Rovers before heading to Brisbane.
“I watched ACE on YouTube and spoke to a couple of the lads before making a decision,” said Ryan.
“It looked like a very attacking team, which suits me down to the ground. And, of course, they won the league last season.
“My goal this season is to try and help ACE go one better – win the league and a cup.”
Ryan said he keeps himself “pretty fit” and likes to play as “false 9”, creating a lot of chances and “scoring a few”.
ACE coach Steve Glockner said his new signing’s creativity and experience would also be a bonus for the team.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how Ryan fits into the team and seeing players learn and develop by playing with him,” he said.
Ryan, who also had a year with Manchester City’s youth set-up (2003-4) and a season at non-league FC United (2006-7) in the UK, was Dunbar Rovers’ Players’ Player of the Year in 2017 when in a deeper midfield role.
Yet last season, when switched to what he described as “a free/10 role, my natural position”, Ryan scored 20 goals from open play in 25 games and was in double figures for assists.
It won the Manchester-born striker a number of accolades including “best on ground” and becoming known as one of Rovers’ “go to” men.
ACE start their pre-season matches tomorrow against Annerley at Wolter Park. Reserves kick-off 4pm. Seniors 6pm.
