John O Ryan

John O Ryan

Liverpool born John was with Bill Shankly’s Reds as a teenager but frustrated by the lack of opportunities at Anfield moved to Tranmere which proved a major mistake.

It was at non-League Wigan, under the tutelage of ex-Hatters favourite Allan Brown, that John finally came to prominence and when Brown moved to Luton as manager he came back for the tricky winger who made a dream League debut for the Town, setting up the first three goals in a 5-0 win at Exeter in October 1967.

Despite this great start John only played “when they could not get Graham French out of bed” and after two years and 18 League appearances he transferred to Notts County where an injury finished his full-time career.

John continued to play in non-League circles for several years and was last in charge of Health & Safety for a new construction company following 20 years with Costains.