PNE supporters know all about Ryan Ledson as a player: passion, no-nonsense, and an eye for that defence-splitting pass. But how much do you know about him away from the pitch?
Throughout the season, as part of our matchday programme ‘The One and Only’, we’ve been learning more about the squad, including the 2020/21 Player of the Year himself.
Back in April, we caught up with Ryan to ask him the all-important questions, looking into his childhood, his career in football so far and everything in between.
What is your first footballing memory?
Liverpool winning the Champions League in 2005, beating AC Milan.
How did you get involved with football growing up?
I loved playing it when I was a kid.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Sports/drama.
How did you become a midfielder?
I've always played in midfield, never anywhere else.
What was the first football shirt you owned?
Liverpool. Carlsberg on the front.
Which team did you support growing up?
Liverpool.
Did you suffer any setbacks in your early career?
I got injured at Oxford in the first few weeks after signing which was a bad one. It was my meniscus in my knee. I had an operation and I missed over a month.
What’s the story of your professional debut?
It was the best feeling ever. I made my debut for Everton v Krasnodar in the Europa League at Goodison Park. I got told the day before in training and was very nervous. I played the full 90 minutes, but Everton got beat 1-0.
What is your best footballing memory?
England U17s Euro Winners. I was captain.
What was your initiation song? Was it good?
Stand By Me by Ben E. King and it was very good, helped by Gally [Paul Gallagher] on the guitar.
What is the best advice somebody has given to you?
Work hard and never give up.
Which player/coach has helped you most?
My football career improved under Alex Neil the most.
What career would you have had if you weren’t a footballer?
Actor, a big film star. My favourite actor is Jim Carrey.
Keep an eye on PNE.Com and across our social media channels for more Quick-Fire Questions in the coming weeks.