Jimmy Ryan

James (Jimmy) RYAN

Spotted as a youngster while playing junior football in Stirling, Jim joined Manchester United at 17 but, although an extremely clever winger, was always on the fringes at Old Trafford due to the talents of George Best and John Connelly.
Jim became one of four United players who moved to Luton en bloc in April 1970, just as the Hatters won promotion from Division Three, and he went on to make almost 200 remarkably consistent League appearances over the next seven years at Kenilworth Road.
After a spell with Dallas Tornado, Jim returned to Luton initially as a coach before being thrust into the hot seat in January 1990. After overseeing two fights against relegation from the top flight with minimal funds, Jim was harshly sacked in May 1991.
Jim found work back at Old Trafford almost immediately and was on the Reds coaching staff for many years.