Ryhope joint boss Pearson thrilled at return of former skipper Ryan

Ryhope CW joint-manager Gary Pearson is hoping the experience and knowhow of new signing Leon Ryan can benefit the younger players in his squad.

Ryan, who left the club to concentrate on playing rugby, has re-joined the Northern League Division One club ahead of their trip to Newcastle Benfield this Saturday as Pearson and his fellow joint-manager Chris McCabe looked to plug the gaps left by a series of injuries to key members of their squad.

The three-time FA Vase winner and Ebac Northern League champion ended a two-year absence from the game when he was pressed into action as a late substitute for striker Brad Hi rd during the 3-1 defeat on Tyneside.

After their defeat, joint boss Pearson explained why he had brought the former Ryhope captain back to the club.

Joint manager Pearson also stressed why he believes the move could help him get the best out of the young - er members of his playing squad.

“Leon was drafted in at the last minute because we had three players missing before the game with injurie sand another faller before the game ,” explained Pearson.

“Leon left the club; he was captain of the club when he left to concentrate on rugby, and he’s played that for two to three seasons.

“Looking at him, you can see the shape of him.

"He’ s not in the worst shape I’ve ever seen him in, but he’s not in the best either – but he wasn’t expecting it.

“Rugby has now been cancelled for a while and Leon spoke to me and I thought it’s ideal for us to bring him in.

“He’ s great around the place, he has a lot of experience.

"He will also want us to mention his Vase winners’ medals, he’s got three league winners medals.

“He’s got that knack and knowhow and if that can rub off on some of our younger players, he will be great to have around.”

Ryhope CW’s injury-hit squad face another testing week with two difficult fixtures in the space of five days.

Pearson and McCabe’ s Ryhope side travel to Ashing to non Tuesday night and then face a home game against Whickham on Saturday.