Fans campaign could see Ryder installed
The former assistant manager to World Cup-bound Iceland boss, Heimir Hallgrimsson, has been flattered by an on-line campaign by Livingston fans to have him succeed David Hopkin.
Newcastle-born Gregg Ryder worked with Hallgrimsson at Icelandic top-flight club, IBV, and became the youngest manager to work in the Icelandic Premier League aged 27.
After declaring an interest in working in Scotland, Ryder has been getting contacted via social media by Livingston fans, telling him to apply for the position left vacant by Hopkin after he’d guided Livi into the Premiership.
Now 30, Ryder said: “I am flattered by the interest shown in me by the Livingston fans.
“I am a young manager, trying to make my way in the game, and receiving messages wishing me luck and offering support is fantastic.
“I was at Livingston’s final play-off game against Partick Thistle, and their fans were fantastic on that day as well.
“There is a real togetherness at the club, with everyone pulling in the same direction.
“From my time in Iceland, I recognise the importance of creating a culture of togetherness.
“It has helped Livingston reach the Premiership – and Iceland the World Cup!”
Ryder added: “Of course I would be interested in the Livingston job.
“It is a club on the rise, and it would be a privilege to be a part of that.”
The former Throttur Reykjavik boss was interviewed recently by Morton, but lost out to Ray McKinnon.
That hasn’t put Ryder off working in Scotland, and he reckons that Graham Potter and former Hamilton Accies boss Billy Reid’s move to Swansea from Sweden last week shows what can be done.
“That move shows that clubs are becoming more open to bringing in young British managers, who have a good track record from Scandinavia or Europe,” said Ryder.
“When a club has a set structure in place, like Swansea or Livingston, it is a straightforward transition for a manager coming in from abroad.”