Ryan Stevenson (footballer)

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Ryan Stevenson
Personal information
Full name Ryan Cairns Stevenson
Date of birth (1984-08-24) 24 August 1984 (age 39)
Place of birth Drongan, Scotland
Position(s) Attacking midfielder
Youth career
1997–1998 Heart of Midlothian
1998–2002 Chelsea
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2007 St Johnstone 74 (5)
2006 → Ayr United (loan) 9 (2)
2007–2010 Ayr United 99 (28)
2010–2012 Heart of Midlothian 61 (9)
2012 Ipswich Town 11 (1)
2012–2014 Heart of Midlothian 55 (12)
2014–2016 Partick Thistle 39 (6)
2015 → Ayr United (loan) 3 (0)
2016 Ayr United 15 (6)
2016 Dumbarton 17 (3)
2017 Raith Rovers 9 (1)
2017 Troon 1 (0)
2017 Annan Athletic 3 (0)
2018–2019 Troon 50 (26)
2020 Stranraer 8 (2)
2020–2021 Troon 9 (2)
2021–2022 Albion Rovers 14 (2)
2022 Troon
Managerial career
2022–2023 Glenafton Athletic
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ryan Cairns Stevenson (born 24 August 1984) is a Scottish former professional footballer who played for Heart of Midlothian and St Johnstone, as well as English side Ipswich Town.

Personal life[edit]

Stevenson was born in Irvine, Ayrshire,[1] and was a boyhood Ayr United fan, as stated on BBC Scotland. He was a pupil at Drongan Primary School and Kyle Academy in Ayr.[citation needed]

In April 2013, Stevenson was banned from driving for a period of 20 months,[2] following an arrest for drink driving.[3] He later apologised for the incident, stating: "I accept the consequences of my actions. I acknowledge that I am a role model for younger supporters and team-mates and as such, my serious error of judgement was not befitting of such a position."[4]

Career[edit]

Chelsea[edit]

Stevenson began his career as a youth player at Chelsea's youth academy, staying in the same club accommodation as John Terry.[5] He has since stated that "being a YTS at Chelsea was the best time in my life"[6] as he was boot-boy for first-team players Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Gianfranco Zola.

Stevenson played in a youth team alongside Carlton Cole, Lenny Pidgeley, Leon Knight and, in his last season, Robert Huth under the watchful eye of manager Steve Clarke.

After making eight reserve-team appearances for Chelsea,[7] scoring one goal,[8] he was released in May 2002.

St Johnstone[edit]

After leaving Chelsea, Stevenson was signed for St Johnstone by Billy Stark. Stevenson made 74 league appearances for Saints, before eventually falling out of favour under Owen Coyle during 2006.

Ayr United[edit]

Robert Connor brought Stevenson home to Ayr United, the team he had supported as a boy, initially on a 28-day loan in October 2006.[9] This loan was later extended until the end of the year.[10] He then joined the club on a permanent basis during January 2007, for a five-figure sum, against the wishes of his St. Johnstone boss: "I have told Ryan I don't want to lose him but that I wouldn't stand in his way," Coyle told Saints' website.[11] Just two weeks later, Stevenson scored an equaliser for Ayr United against his former club, St Johnstone, in the third round of the Scottish Cup in a 2–1 defeat.[12] Stevenson scored the goal which promoted Ayr United to the First Division in 2009, in a 1–0 win over Airdrie United in the second leg of the First Division play-off Final at New Broomfield.

Hearts[edit]

Stevenson signed for Hearts on 1 February 2010 for an undisclosed five-figure sum,[13] with Rocky Visconte going the other way on loan.[14] He made his debut for Hearts on 10 February playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 defeat to Celtic at Celtic Park.[15] He went on to score his first competitive goal for Hearts against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in a Scottish Premier League fixture on 18 September 2010.[16] In the absence of Kevin Kyle, Stevenson was predominantly used as a makeshift striker[17] and scored several notable goals, such as in wins over both halves of the Old Firm and two against Edinburgh rivals Hibernian. In June 2011 Stevenson signed a one-year contract extension to extend his stay at the club.[18]

On 22 December 2011 with Hearts in financial difficulty and having problems paying wages Stevenson requested his contract be terminated;[19] this was refused and Stevenson advised the club he would not play or train again until his salary was paid in full.[20] Stevenson cited stress on his unborn baby as one of the reasons behind his decision.[21] Despite being paid Stevenson did not return to training. Several clubs including[22] Ayr United, Crawley Town[23] and Dundee United[24] were interested however Hearts were seeking £100,000 for their exiled player.[25] Hearts pledged to open a disciplinary hearing if he did not leave during the transfer window.[26]

Ipswich Town[edit]

On 28 January 2012, Championship side Ipswich Town announced that he was set to join them in a deal worth £50,000 which was concluded on 30 January. He was given the number 16 shirt,[27] and had signed an 18-month contract.[28]

Stevenson scored his first goal for Ipswich on 28 April 2012 against Doncaster Rovers on the final day of the 2011–12 Football League Championship with a long-range effort which was later voted as Ipswich Town fans Goal of the Year.[29]

Hearts return[edit]

Stevenson playing for Hearts

On 31 August 2012, after just eight months at Ipswich Town, Hearts re-signed Stevenson on a three-year contract,[30] despite interest from Motherwell.[31] Stevenson scored both Hearts goals in the 2013 Scottish League Cup Final, but ultimately the club lost 3–2 to St Mirren.[32] Stevenson was released by Hearts after the club was relegated to the Scottish Championship in 2014.[33]

Partick Thistle[edit]

Stevenson signed for Partick Thistle in June 2014 on a two-year contract, with an option for a third year.[34][35] He scored his first two goals for Thistle in a 2–0 Scottish Cup win over Hamilton Academical on 29 November 2014.[36] He scored his first and second league goals in a Scottish Premiership 4–0 away win against Inverness[37] On 31 October 2015, Stevenson had to play as goalkeeper for the last five minutes of a 4–0 defeat to Hearts because Thistle 'keeper Ryan Scully had been sent off and Thistle had already used all of their substitutions.[38] Stevenson's first goal of the 2015–16 season was a 90th-minute winner in a 2–1 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[39] Stevenson was released by the club in January 2016.[40]

Ayr United return[edit]

In December 2015, Stevenson signed a short-term loan deal with his former club Ayr United.[41] He made three appearances for Ayr before returning to Partick Thistle. However, subsequent to his release by the Firhill side, Stevenson signed again with Ayr in January 2016, his fourth separate spell with the side.[42] After achieving promotion to the Scottish Championship via the play-offs, Stevenson chose not to renew his contract at Somerset Park.[43]

Dumbarton[edit]

Shortly after leaving Ayr United, Stevenson signed for Scottish Championship side Dumbarton.[44] He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–3 draw with Peterhead in July 2016.[45] He left the club in December 2016[46]

Raith Rovers[edit]

He joined Raith Rovers in January 2017[47] Stevenson hit the headlines after being forced to play a full 90 minutes in goal, after injuries to Raith's three first team goalkeepers. Rovers lost the match 1–0 to Ayr United[48]

In March 2017, just over a week after playing in goals, Stevenson announced his shock retirement from professional football at the age of 32[49] as he sought a long-term career outside of football.

Troon and Australia[edit]

After leaving Raith Rovers in March 2017 to start a long-term career outside of football, Stevenson signed for Troon.[50]

With his personal life in turmoil, and after just one appearance and two weeks with the club, Stevenson announced he was to emigrate and he signed for Australian State League Division 2 South-East side Peninsula Strikers.[51] However, the day he was due to leave for Australia he announced he had cancelled the agreement for family reasons.[52]

Annan Athletic[edit]

Stevenson joined Scottish League Two side Annan Athletic in June 2017, managed by his former Ayr United teammate Peter Murphy.[53] Stevenson played eight matches before an old injury flared up and he decided to take a step back from the game to concentrate on family and work commitments.

Troon[edit]

Stevenson rejoined Troon in November 2018 after more than a year out of the game, and he said the move gave him "his love of football back"[54] thanks to the club's Manager Jimmy Kirkwood.

The move to Portland Park proved a fruitful one for Stevenson, playing alongside former team-mates Christian Nade and Dean Keenan, and he netted 26 times in 50 appearances playing in an attacking midfield or forward role.

Stranraer[edit]

With a new-found hunger for football again, Stevenson got the opportunity to return to senior football and he joined Stranraer in January 2020.[55]

A part of the lure to Stranraer was their upcoming match against Rangers at Ibrox Park in the Scottish Cup,[56] a possible final chance to play in front of 38,000 supporters and his family.

Troon return[edit]

Stevenson returned to Troon for a third time in May 2020.[57]

Albion Rovers[edit]

In March 2021, Stevenson signed for Scottish League Two side Albion Rovers.[58]

Fourth return to Troon[edit]

On September 1, 2022, Stevenson returned for the fourth - and final - time to Troon.[59] However, it was short-lived as the club confirmed on November 17, 2022 that Stevenson had chosen to leave the club again.[60]

International call-up[edit]

On 6 November 2011, Stevenson was called up to the Scotland squad for the first time as a late inclusion for a friendly match against Cyprus.[61][62]

Coaching career[edit]

His first and most recent role as manager was that of West of Scotland Football League side Glenafton Athletic, a role he resigned from on 28 August 2023. During his spell he saved the club from relegation and made the Scottish Junior Cup semi finals. His position was filled by the club's assistant manager Mark Roberts.

Career statistics[edit]

As of 22 October 2017[1][63][64][65]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other [note 1] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
St Johnstone 2002–03 First Division 14[66] 0 0 0 2 0 – 2[a] 1 18 1
2003–04 13[67] 0 0 0 1 0 – 2[a] 0 16 0
2004–05 10 0 0 0 1 0 – 1[a] 0 12 0
2005–06 35 5 1 0 2 0 – 1[a] 0 39 5
2006–07 2 0 0 0 2 1 – 3[a] 0 7 1
Total 74 5 1 0 8 1 – 9 1 92 7
Ayr United (loan) 2006–07 Second Division 9 2 1 0 0 0 – 0 0 10 2
Ayr United 2006–07 Second Division 15 1 1 1 0 0 – 0 0 16 2
2007–08 33 15 1 0 1 0 – 4[a][68] 2 39 17
2008–09 34 10 4[69] 0 2 0 – 3[b] 1 43 11
2009–10 First Division 17 2 2 1 2 0 – 1[a] 0 22 3
Total 108 30 9 2 5 0 – 8 3 130 35
Heart of Midlothian 2009–10 Premier League 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
2010–11 31 7 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 34 7
2011–12 19 2 0 0 0 0 3[c] 2 0 0 22 4
Total 61 9 1 0 2 0 3 2 0 0 67 11
Ipswich Town 2011–12 EFL Championship 11 1 0 0 0 0 – 0 0 11 1
2012–13 0 0 0 0 2 0 – 0 0 2 0
Total 11 1 0 0 2 0 – 0 0 13 1
Heart of Midlothian 2012–13 Premier League 29 5 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 33 7
2013–14 Premiership 26 7 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 29 8
Total 55 12 2 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 62 15
Partick Thistle 2014–15 Premiership 31 5 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 35 7
2015–16 10 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 1
Total 41 6 2 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 46 8
Ayr United 2015–16 League One 21 6 0 0 0 0 – 0 0 21 6
Dumbarton 2016–17 Premiership 17 3 2 0 4 1 0 0 1[a] 0 24 4
Raith Rovers 2016–17 Premiership 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 1
Annan Athletic 2017–18 League Two 3 0 0 0 4 0 – 1[a] 0 8 0
Stranraer 2019–20 League One 8 2 1 0 0 0 – 1[a] 0 8 0
Career Total 408 75 18 4 33 5 3 2 19 4 426 80
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ^ One appearance in the Scottish Challenge Cup; two appearances and a goal in the First Division play-offs
  3. ^ Appearances in the Europa League

Achievements[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Includes other competitive competitions, including the Scottish Challenge Cup and Scottish First Division play-offs
  2. ^ Stevenson played in three matches in the Scottish Challenge Cup in 2007–08, before leaving to join Ayr United in October 2007.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Ryan Stevenson at Soccerway. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  2. ^ "Hearts' Ryan Stevenson banned for drink driving". scotsman.com. The Scotsman. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  3. ^ "Hearts star Ryan Stevenson branded stupid and arrogant by sheriff". dailyrecord.co.uk. Daily Record. 30 April 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  4. ^ "Hearts player Ryan Stevenson says drink-driving was 'huge mistake'". news.stv.tv. STV. 30 April 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  5. ^ Wilson, Stuart (2 August 2019). "Troon have given me a love for football again, says Ryan Stevenson". Daily Record.
  6. ^ Goal, Open (17 March 2020). "Keeping the Ball on the Ground | CORONAVIRUS SHUTS DOWN FOOTBALL".
  7. ^ "2001-02 Premier Reserve League South - TheChels.info - The Chelsea Football Club Wiki". thechels.info.
  8. ^ "2000-01 Premier Reserve League South - TheChels.info - The Chelsea Football Club Wiki". thechels.info.
  9. ^ "Short-term Ayr deal for Stevenson". BBC Sport. 21 October 2006.
  10. ^ Stevenson is to remain with Ayr, BBC Sport, 21 November 2006.
  11. ^ "Ayr Utd buy Stevenson from Saints". BBC Sport. 2 January 2007.
  12. ^ "Ayr United 1–2 St Johnstone". BBC Sport. 17 January 2007.
  13. ^ "Ryan Stevenson joins Hearts". Hearts News. Heart of Midlothian F.C. 1 February 2010. Archived from the original on 31 January 2012. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  14. ^ "Ryan Stevenson transfers to Hearts". ayrunitedfc.co.uk. 1 February 2010. Archived from the original on 9 February 2010. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
  15. ^ "Celtic 2–0 Hearts". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 10 February 2010. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  16. ^ "Inverness CT 1–3 Hearts". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 18 September 2010. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  17. ^ "Ryan Stevenson admits he might have to become a striker by default to earn new Hearts deal". Daily Record. October 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  18. ^ "Ryan Stevenson signs new deal at Hearts as Ismael Bouzid and Ruben Palazuelos are freed". Daily Record. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  19. ^ "Stevenson: I won't play for Hearts again". Edinburgh Evening News. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  20. ^ "Ryan Stevenson asks to leave Hearts amid interest from Bristol City". BBC SPort. BBC. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
  21. ^ Jackson, Keith (23 December 2011). "Ryan Stevenson: I had to leave Hearts after doctor said stress of pay dispute risked life of unborn child". Daily Record. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  22. ^ "Ayr United in talks to re-sign Ryan Stevenson from Hearts". Scottish Television. 13 January 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  23. ^ "Crawley Town bid for Hearts' Ryan Stevenson rebuffed". BBC Sport. BBC. 20 January 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  24. ^ "Dundee United tracking Ryan Stevenson". Scottish Television. 25 January 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  25. ^ "Hearts' Ryan Stevenson in limbo after move blocked". The Scotsman. 26 January 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  26. ^ "Stevenson the exile can go for £100k". The Scotsman. 23 January 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  27. ^ "I can't wait to get going". Ipswich Town F.C. 28 January 2012. Archived from the original on 30 January 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
  28. ^ "Ryan: move was a no-brainer". Ipswich Town F.C. 30 January 2012. Archived from the original on 3 February 2012. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  29. ^ "TWTD Town goal of the Year?". TWTD. Retrieved 1 July 2012.[permanent dead link]
  30. ^ "Ryan Stevenson returns to Tynecastle from Ipswich". BBC Sport. BBC. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  31. ^ Keevins, Hugh (30 August 2012). "Motherwell interested in snapping up free agent Ryan Stevenson". dailyrecord.co.uk. Daily Record. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  32. ^ "St Mirren seal historic League Cup win". espn.co.uk. ESPN. 17 March 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2014.
  33. ^ Hearts: Jamie Hamill unhappy as player trio exit Tynecastle, BBC Sport
  34. ^ "Ryan Stevenson Joins Thistle". ptfc.co.uk. Partick Thistle F.C. 11 June 2014. Archived from the original on 15 June 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
  35. ^ Partick Thistle sign Ryan Stevenson, BBC Sport
  36. ^ McLauchlin, Brian (29 November 2014). "Partick Thistle 2–0 Hamilton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  37. ^ "Inverness CT 0-4 Partick Thistle".
  38. ^ "Partick Thistle 0-4 Hearts". BBC Sport.
  39. ^ "Partick Thistle 2-1 Inverness CT". BBC Sport.
  40. ^ "Ryan Stevenson". ptfc.co.uk. 20 January 2016. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  41. ^ "Ryan Stevenson rejoins Ayr United on 28-day loan from Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. 22 December 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2015.
  42. ^ "Stevo Ayr to stay". ayrunitedfc.co.uk. 21 January 2016. Archived from the original on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  43. ^ "Player update". ayrunitedfc.co.uk. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  44. ^ Findlay, Alan (8 June 2016). "Stevenson switches to Sons from Ayr Utd". dumbartonfootballclub.com. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  45. ^ Barrow, Simon. "SONS BEATEN IN BETFRED ON PENALTIES". Retrieved 30 July 2016.
  46. ^ Findlay, Alan. "PLAYER DEPARTURES". Retrieved 31 December 2016.
  47. ^ "Ryan Stevenson Signs To Boost Attacking Options". Raith Rovers. Retrieved 2 January 2017.
  48. ^ Borthwick, Jamie. "Attacker Ryan Stevenson starts in goals for Raith Rovers". STV Sport. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  49. ^ Elder, Matthew. "Raith striker announces shock retirement". Fife Today. Johnston Publishing. Retrieved 9 March 2017.[permanent dead link]
  50. ^ "New Signing - Ryan Stevenson - Troon FC". Archived from the original on 30 March 2017. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  51. ^ Coyle, Andy (10 April 2017). "Ryan Stevenson leaves Troon to join Australian club". STV News. STV. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  52. ^ "Ryan Stevenson – Troon Football Club".
  53. ^ "RYAN STEVENSON SIGNS ON". Annan Athletic. 27 June 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  54. ^ "Login • Instagram". www.instagram.com. Archived from the original on 24 December 2021. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  55. ^ "Stevo signs on". Stranraer FC. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  56. ^ "Much-changed Rangers ease past Stranraer". BBC Sport.
  57. ^ McGowan, Eric (27 May 2020). "Former Hearts and Ayr United ace returns for another spell at Troon". dailyrecord. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  58. ^ "Ryan Stevenson, David Cox, and Jamie McKernon join Albion Rovers". albionroversfc.com. 10 March 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  59. ^ Welcome back Ryan Stevenson!, troonfootballclub.co.uk, 1 September 2022
  60. ^ Ryan Stevenson Moves on, troonfootballclub.co.uk, 17 November 2022
  61. ^ "Ryan Stevenson, Gary MacKenzie & Craig Samson get surprise Scots call". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 7 November 2011. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  62. ^ "Super Stevo". Heart of Midlothian F.C. 7 November 2011. Archived from the original on 9 November 2011. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  63. ^ Ryan Stevenson at Soccerbase
  64. ^ Ryan Stevenson at Soccerbase
  65. ^ "Ryan Stevenson ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
  66. ^ Includes 1 appearance not recorded on soccerbase. "Saints 0–1 Clyde". St Johnstone F.C. 5 October 2002. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  67. ^ Includes 1 appearance not recorded on soccerbase. "Queen of the South 1–1 Saints". St Johnstone F.C. 1 May 2004. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  68. ^ Includes 1 appearance not recorded on soccerbase. "Ayr Utd 2–1 Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. 18 September 2007. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  69. ^ Includes 2 appearances not recorded on soccerbase. "Lochee United 1–1 Ayr United". BBC Sport. 17 December 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2014. & "Ayr United 3–1 Lochee United". BBC Sport. 23 December 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2014.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ryan Stevenson.
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