Ryan Conroy

Ryan Conroy
Personal information
Date of birth (1987-04-28) 28 April 1987
Place of birth Vale of Leven, Scotland
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Playing position Winger
Club information
Current team
 Airdrieonians
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2011 Celtic 2 (0)
2010 → Partick Thistle (loan) 15 (0)
2010 → Queen of the South (loan) 11 (3)
2011–2014 Dundee 100 (24)
2014–2015 Raith Rovers 35 (6)
2015–2016 Queen of the South 28 (0)
2016– Airdrieonians 0 (0)
National team‡
2007 Scotland U20 5 (0)
2008 Scotland U21 3 (1)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 17:00, 26 April 2016 (UTC).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 30 October 2010

Ryan Conroy (born 28 April 1987) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Airdrieonians. He can also play as a left back. Conroy has previously played for Celtic, Queen of the South, Partick Thistle on loan, Dundee and Raith Rovers.

Club career

Celtic

Conroy was born in Vale of Leven, Scotland. He consistently impressed throughout his time with the Celtic youth system and ahead of the 2005–06 season, he signed his first professional contract. In 2007, Manager Gordon Strachan considered calling up Conroy into the first team as cover.[1]

He made his first team debut on 11 December 2007, during Celtic's 4–0 defeat of Falkirk, playing at left back.[2] After making his debut, Conroy says he hoped he could earn himself a longer term deal with Celtic.[3]

On 6 July 2009, Conroy signed a new deal with Celtic for another year.[4] The arrival of the returning Charlie Mulgrew led Conroy to state that he thought Mulgrew's arrival would not affect his chance of making a breakthrough at Celtic.[5]

Partick Thistle (loan)

Conroy was loaned to Partick Thistle for whom he played 15 games, all in the league, in the second half of 2009/10 season.[6] He returned to Celtic when the deal had expired on 5 May 2010.[7]

Queen of the South (loan)

On 28 August 2010, Conroy joined Dumfries club Queen of the South on loan,[8] scoring on his debut in the league game against Ross County on the same day.[9][10][11] This was the first goal of his senior career.

He became the fourth of the 2006 Scotland under 19 squad to play for the Palmerston Park club after Jamie Adams, Brian Gilmour and Scott Fox.[9]

His second goal for QoS was away in the league against top of the table opposition. Scoring from 18 yards after a Derek Holmes flick on, this was the only goal in the 1–0 win against Raith Rovers on 6 November 2010.[12] He scored again the following week, hitting QoS' second goal (again from 18 yards) after a Derek Holmes knock down in the 3–0 home win against Cowdenbeath at Palmerston.[13]

Conroy returned to Celtic after the weather ruined three chances to play a final game at Palmerston.[14] Conroy said, "I must say that I've really enjoyed those few months I've spent with Queen of the South. They're a good club and treat their players well. The fans have also been most supportive and I really appreciate that too. I would have liked to have stayed longer but the terms of the loan deal didn't allow that. I've really enjoyed my spell at Palmerston and wish the club all the best for the future."[15]

Following the end of his loan at Queens of the South, Conroy was linked with a move to Ross County.[16]

Dundee

After his contract with Celtic expired at the end of the 2010–11 season, Conroy left Celtic to join Dundee.[17] After the move, Conroy says he wants to achieve promotion with the club to the Scottish Premier League and show Celtic manager Neil Lennon he made a mistake letting him leave the club.[18]

Conroy made his debut for the club, in the first round of the Scottish Challenge Cup against Arbroath, where he provided a cross for Stephen O'Donnell, in the 92nd minute, as Dundee won 2–1 in extra time.[19] Conroy made his league debut in the club's opening match of the season, in a 1–0 win over against Partick Thistle. Having made eleven appearances, Conroy scored his first goal for the club, on 5 November 2011, in a 1–0 win over Raith Rovers[20] and scored again in the next match, which turned out to be the winning goal and he also provided an assist for Gavin Rae, in a 2–1 win over Morton.[21] Later in the 2011–12 season, Conroy would add nine more goals to his total, including a brace against Morton in a 2–0 win on 17 March 2012.[22] Conroy went on to make forty-two appearance in all competitions, scoring twelve times and during the season, Conroy reverted from playing at left-back to either left-wing or left-midfield.

In the 2012–13 season, Dundee were invited to join the Scottish Premier League to replace Rangers who had been placed in the Third Division. Conroy scored his and Dundee's first goal of the season, with the winning goal from a penalty, in a 1–0 victory against Hearts, giving the club their first win of the season on 2 September 2012.[23] Four weeks later, on 29 September 2012, he scored again, from the penalty spot, in a 3–1 loss against St Johnstone.[24] Then, on 17 March 2013, Conroy scored as Dundee drew 1–1 against Dundee United in the Dundee derby .[25] Manager John Brown commented about Conroy, saying: "Ryan is a really talented lad, If van Persie had hit the kind of goal he got in the derby then we would all have been raving about it. It was such a good strike and it showed what Ryan has to offer when he is in that kind of form. He just needs to believe in himself more and once he has that confidence he can do even greater things. Not many people have the sort of left foot he has. Ryan can make things happens and I have asked him to do that."[26] During the 2012–13 season, he made thirty-eight appearances in all competitions, scoring seven times, making him Dundee's top scorer for the season, however, the club was relegated after a draw with Aberdeen.

Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Conroy signed a new deal with the club.[27] Conroy scored seven goals as Dundee won promotion to the Scottish Premiership by winning the 2013–14 Scottish Championship, but he was released by Dundee in June 2014,[28] having been among players expected to leave the club in the summer.[29]

Raith Rovers

On 10 July 2014, Conroy signed with Raith Rovers.[30] At the time of his release from Dundee, Raith Rovers confirmed their interest in signing Conroy.[31]

He scored on his debut, against Forfar Athletic on 2 August 2014, in a 4–2 win in the Scottish Challenge Cup.[32] His first league goal came seven days later on 9 August 2014, in the opening game of the season, in a 3–1 win over Dumbarton,[33] followed up his second goal, in a 1–0 win over Alloa Athletic in his second appearance.[34] Following his good display, Manager Grant Murray believed Conroy could be a key player for the club.[35]

Queen of the South (2nd spell)

On 28 May 2015 it was announced that Conroy had signed for Queen of the South.[36] He scored on his second debut for the club against Stranraer in the Scottish Challenge Cup,[37] and followed that up with another goal on his second appearance against Annan Athletic in the Scottish League Cup.[38]

Airdrieonians

Conroy joined Scottish League One side Airdrieonians in July 2016, signing a two-year deal with the club.[39]

Career statistics

As of 2 August 2014
Club Season League Cup League Cup Other[A] Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Celtic 2005–06 0000000000
2006–07 0000000000
2007–08 2000000020
2008–09 0010000010
2009–10 0000000000
2010–11 0000000000
Total 2010000030
Partick Thistle (loan) 2009–10 150000000150
Queen of the South (loan) 2010–11 113001020143
Dundee 2011–12 35113120204212
2012–13 336312000387
2013–14 317102030377
Total 992472605011726
Raith Rovers 2014–15 0000110011
Career total 1272782817015030
A. ^ Other includes Scottish Challenge Cup.

Totals include:

International career

Conroy was part of the Scotland under 19 squad that made it to the final of the 2006 European Championships played in Poland.[40] Conroy played in the last four of Scotland's five games and scored the opener in the group phase win against Turkey.[9] He was also included in the Scotland under–20 squad that played in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[41]

Honours

Dundee

Personal life

While at Celtic Conroy had to speak several different languages, to help communicate with his foreign team-mates. Conroy was left with a difficult decision upon leaving school, with a potential career as an accountant available, however he decided to devote his time to football. However he still found time to complete "the dees"' end of year accounts one year.[42]

References

  1. ↑ "Cover charge at Strachan's window seat". Evening Times. 3 January 2007. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  2. ↑ Falkirk succumb to Celtic's Macs factor Telegraph, 12 December 2007
  3. ↑ "I'm Ryan Hard To Win New Contract". Daily Record. 13 December 2007. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  4. ↑ "Celtic kids hoping it's ready steady Mow for chance in top team". Evening Times. 6 July 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  5. ↑ "Signing of Charlie Mulgrew won't put an end to my ambitions of making it at Celtic, says Ryan Conroy". Daily Record. 11 June 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  6. ↑ "Celtic winger Ryan Conroy joins Partick Thistle on loan". BBC Sport. 14 January 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  7. ↑ "McCall agony as seven stars depart Thistle". Evening Times. 5 May 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  8. ↑ "Points count over profit in eyes of fans...". Evening Times. 1 September 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  9. 1 2 3 "Sons of Scotland" Queen of the South FC, 14 September 2010
  10. ↑ "Queen of the South 3 – 0 Ross County" Queen of the South FC, 28 August 2010
  11. ↑ "Debut strike for Ryan" Queen of the South FC, 29 August 2010
  12. ↑ "Raith Rovers 0 – 1 Queen of the South" Queen of the South FC, 6 November 2010
  13. ↑ "Queen of the South 3 – 0 Cowdenbeath" Queen of the South FC, 13 November 2010
  14. ↑ "Conroy to return to Celtic". Scottish Football League. 27 December 2010. Retrieved 27 December 2010.
  15. ↑ "Fond farewell to Ryan" Queen of the South FC, 23 December 2010
  16. ↑ "Transfer Talk: January 11, 2011 – Schalk hints at Celtic switch, Dons want Blackman answer, Gordon linked to Man Utd". Daily Record. 11 January 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  17. ↑ "Striker Steven Milne on verge of return to Dundee as boss Barry Smith lines-up Ryan Conroy deal". Daily Record. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  18. ↑ by getting "New signing Ryan Conroy sets sights on top flight with Dundee". The Courier. 26 November 2011. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  19. ↑ "Arbroath 1–2 Dundee (aet)". BBC Sport. 22 July 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  20. ↑ "Dundee 1–0 Raith Rovers". BBC Sport. 5 November 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  21. ↑ "Morton 1–2 Dundee". BBC Sport. 12 November 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  22. ↑ "Morton 0–2 Dundee". BBC Sport. 17 March 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  23. ↑ "Dun it! Dee win their first game in the SPL thanks to Conroy spot-kick". Daily Record. 2 September 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  24. ↑ "Dundee 1–3 St Johnstone". BBC Sport. 29 September 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  25. ↑ "Dundee United 1 Dundee 1: Late goal denies 10-man Dark Blues". The Courier. 17 March 2013. Archived from the original on 20 March 2013 |archive-url= requires |url= (help).
  26. ↑ "Ryan Conroy told to take heart from RVP-like strike". The Courier. 26 March 2013. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  27. ↑ "RYAN AND JAMIE LATEST TO PLEDGE FUTURE TO DUNDEE". Dundee F.C. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  28. ↑ "Dundee: Gary Irvine stays as Ryan Conroy leaves Dens Park". BBC Sport. BBC. 17 June 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  29. ↑ "Another three Dundee players shown door in Dens Park clearout". Dundee Evening Telegraph. 6 June 2014. Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  30. ↑ "http://www.raithrovers.net/15224/ryan-conroy-signs.htm". raithrovers.net. Raith Rovers F.C. 10 July 2014. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2014. External link in |title= (help)
  31. ↑ "Raith Rovers keen on Dundee's Ryan Conroy". Dundee Evening Telegraph. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014. Check date values in: |archive-date= (help)
  32. ↑ "Raith Rovers 4–2 Forfar Athletic". Raith Rovers F.C. 2 August 2014. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  33. ↑ "Raith Rovers 3 – 1 Dumbarton". BBC Sport. 9 August 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  34. ↑ "Alloa Athletic 0 – 1 Raith Rovers". BBC Sport. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
  35. ↑ "Ryan Conroy can be key man for Raith Rovers this season". Dundee Evening Telegraph. 23 August 2014. Archived from the original on 20. Retrieved 30 October 2014. Check date values in: |archive-date= (help)
  36. ↑ "Queen of the South secure Ryan Conroy and Robbie Thomson". BBC Sport. 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
  37. ↑ "Queen of the South 2-0 Stranraer". BBC Sport. BBC. 25 July 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  38. ↑ "Annan 3-4 Queen of the South". BBC Sport. BBC. 1 August 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  39. ↑ "Ryan Conroy agrees terms". Airdrieonians FC. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  40. ↑ "Scots set for U19 Euro adventure". BBC Sport. 17 June 2006. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  41. ↑ "Gilmour receives World Cup call". BBC Sport. 8 June 2007. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
  42. ↑ "Ryan Conroy leads the Celtic cast of home-grown talent". Evening Times. 30 April 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
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