Ryan Moves Into Retirement

United's director of youth football Jim Ryan is retiring after giving great service to the Reds.

The 67-year-old is leaving the club he first signed for back in 1963 after returning to Old Trafford in 1991, following spells with Luton Town and Dallas Tornado.

Ryan also managed Luton and is highly regarded for his coaching skills - even taking charge of the Reds for the home match in the 1998/1999 season against Middlesbrough when Sir Alex Ferguson attended a funeral. The popular Scot worked closely with fellow countryman Brian McClair in helping to develop the young talent at Carrington.

"I think I have a lot of mixed feelings about it," he told ManUtd.com about moving into retirement. "Generally speaking, a football life is a good life so I'm giving up a lot of enjoyable things.

"I guess it's a wrench but everybody has to retire at some time. I'd like to think I'll still come to Carrington to watch the boys. Of course, you also become friends with the coaches and you don't just stop that friendship."

In his playing days, he was a wide forward and provided useful cover for United during the Sixties. Everybody at United would like to wish Jim a happy retirement.

Jim Ryan's United career:
1965/66: 4 apps, 1 gl
1966/67: 5 (1) apps, 0 gls
1967/68: 8 (1) apps, 2 gls
1968/69: 7 apps, 0 gls
1969/70: 0 (1) apps, 0 gls