Former Pompey midfielder keen to show Hawks what they’ll be missing

Manager Lee Bradbury told the midfielder yesterday that he doesn’t figure in his plans for next season and is free to leave.

It is understood that the Pompey Academy graduate is having talks with Gosport Borough, who appear favourites for his signature.

Ryan admitted he was gutted to be leaving Westleigh Park but believes it will be for the best in the long run.

‘I didn’t want to leave because I’ve had a terrific four years with the Hawks, making 150 appearances,’ he said.

‘The second half of last season, however, was a very difficult period for me.

‘I found myself out of the team for a number of different reasons and it wasn’t nice.

‘It was a dark time because I am the sort of person who wants to play every game.

‘Hopefully, I can learn a few lessons from it and take them forward with me wherever I go.’

Ryan joined the Hawks in 2011 after being released by Pompey.

During his time at the National League South side, he earned the reputation of being a hard-working, midfielder who is capable of scoring spectacular goals.

The arrival of Brian Stock last season, with his vast Football League experience, saw Ryan slip down the pecking order.

And when Bradbury signed attacking-midfielder Adrian Clifton at the start of the summer, the writing was on the wall.

The 23-year-old is ready to put recent disappointments behind him, though, and rekindle his career.

‘Wherever I end up I will give it 100 per cent,’ said Ryan.

‘I won’t settle for anything less.

‘At my age I feel there is plenty of good football left in me.

‘There are a number of clubs interested and that shows they still have faith and belief in me.

‘They believe they will get a positive and effective player.

‘I am going to work hard to try and prove that letting me go was a wrong decision.

‘Hopefully, I will get something sorted by the end of the week, before teams start getting back to pre-season training.’

Bradbury hinted that Ryan wasn’t going to figure in his future plans when he left him out of the squad for last season’s play-offs.

The manager said letting the player go at this point was the fairest decision.

‘Perry has been a great servant to the club and I can’t fault his effort or attitude,’ said Bradbury.

‘With the players I have brought in he will only find it increasingly difficult to get in the side.

‘He is the sort of lad where it is all or nothing and playing football is what he lives for.

‘Perry needs to go where he will play regularly and get himself back on it.’