Former Southampton, Yeovil striker and Hawks loanee who was 'destined for top' making his mark at Hungerford

He was the striker some believed was 'destined for the top' as he came through the age groups at Southampton's renowned academy.
Ryan Seager celebrates scoring Hawks' third goal against Hadley in the FA Cup last season. Pic: Dave Haines.Ryan Seager celebrates scoring Hawks' third goal against Hadley in the FA Cup last season. Pic: Dave Haines.
Ryan Seager celebrates scoring Hawks' third goal against Hadley in the FA Cup last season. Pic: Dave Haines.

Now the forward is preparing to put a dent in Hawks' National League South title challenge on his first return to Westleigh Park with new side Hungerford Town on Saturday.

Ryan Seager was highly rated as a teenager and tipped to be one of the 'next big things'.

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Capped by England at under-17 level, the 24-year-old's stock was high in his early days before an ACL injury suffered while on loan at Crewe in February 2016 dealt him a serious blow.

Further loans at MK Dons, Yeovil and Telstar never quite worked out before he joined his hometown club Yeovil on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019.

Doswell even brought the striker to Westleigh Park last term but, similar to the player’s other loans, things didn't quite work out.

Yet, finally, Seager is beginning to show why he was so highly rated.

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Since signing for Hungerford in the summer, he has hit 10 goals in 14 National League South appearances.

It's a tally only bettered by another ex-Hawk, Dorking’s 12-goal Jason Prior, while Billericay's Jake Robinson has also netted 10 times.

After his unsuccessful Hawks stint - which brought just one FA Cup goal against Hadley - Doswell is 'chuffed' to see Seager doing well.

‘I’m massively pleased for Ryan,' he said.

‘There’s no doubt in his early career that most people thought he was destined for the top.

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‘When he came to us his confidence was low and we couldn’t quite ever get him fit.

‘He’s a really nice lad. His career stalled really because he was the next big thing at Southampton.

‘He’s had a brilliant start to the season and I’m really chuffed for him.

‘He’s showing he’s a quality finisher and a quality player.

‘He’s someone we’ve got to be very aware of on Saturday, that’s for sure.'

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Seager could well win a return to a higher level if he carries on scoring regularly.

‘I think anyone that plays up front and scores 15, 16 or 17 goals then clubs start getting interested,' added Doswell.

‘He might have to do it for the whole season and then get that chance to do it back in the National League or whatever.

‘It’s nice to see him have that season where he can show he has certainly got ability again which is good for him.'

Seager has certainly impressed in big games this term - he has netted twice in league wins against Dorking and Slough who, like Hawks, were in the play-offs last summer.