Former Hawks loanee in ‘brilliant’ form
He was the striker some believed was 'destined for the top' as he came through the age groups at Southampton's renowned academy.
Now Ryan Seager is preparing to put a dent in Hawks' National League South title challenge on his first return to Westleigh
Park with new side Hungerford Town tomorrow.
Seager was highly rated as a teenager and tipped to be one of the 'next big things'.
Capped by England at under-17 level, the 24-yearold's stock was high in his early days before an ACL injury suffered while on loan at Crewe in February 2016 dealt him a serious blow.
Further loans at MK Dons, Yeovil and Telstar never quite worked out before he joined his hometown club Yeovil on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019.
Doswell even brought the striker to Westleigh Park last term but, similar to the player’s other loans, things didn't quite work out.
Yet, finally, Seager is beginning to show why he was so highly rated.
Since signing for Hungerford in the summer, he has hit 10 goals in 14 National League South appearances, including braces in wins against Dorking and Slough.
It's a tally only bettered by another ex-Hawk, Dorking’s 12-goal Jason Prior, while Billericay's Jake Robinson has also netted 10 times.
After his unsuccessful Hawks stint - which brought just one FA Cup goal against Hadley - Doswell is 'chuffed' to see Seager doing well.
‘I’m massively pleased for Ryan,' he said.
‘There’s no doubt in his early career that most people thought he was destined for the top.
‘When he came to us his confidence was low and we couldn’t quite ever get him fit.
‘He’s a really nice lad. His career stalled really because he was the next big thing at Southampton.
‘He’s had a brilliant start to the season and I’m really chuffed for him.
‘He’s showing he’s a quality finisher and a quality player.
‘He’s someone we’ve got to be very aware of on Saturday, that’s for sure.'