We are delighted to announce the signing of Midfielder Ryan Blackman!
Ryan spent last season on the books of fellow National League South side St Albans City. He made 29 appearances last term and found the back of the net 3 times. In December 2023, Blackman scored a thunderous strike for the Saints, as his goal secured a 2-1 victory over the Clarets. Previously, he has featured for Concord Rangers, Hemel Hempstead, Welling United and Enfield Town. He has also has spells in and around Essex, with sides such as Witham Town and Canvey Island.
Manager Robbie Simpson said: “Ryan is someone that we have admired for quite some time, from his Concord days.
I don’t think he ever got to play when Adam Drew was at Concord, but I think Drewey was the one that signed him there before him and Danny Scopes left, but we have always been a big admirer of him at Concord and we actually were close to signing him in the middle of last season however, St Albans just pipped us to the post.
I think if he had have joined us, rather than St Albans, we would have had a different outcome in that playoff game against them.
And then, this season he has has another terrific season for St Albans.
If you just look at the 2 games against us, it was his shot in the first half at home that we saved before Shaun Jeffers turned in the rebound.
And then, when we played them away, we defended ever so well and it was going to take a moment of real quality to beat us, and he was the one to produce that.
We know he can produce in big games at vital times and we know that he can produce on a consistent basis, for me he is one of the best midfield players in this league and we are very happy to see him in a Claret shirt next season, rather than against us.”
Welcome to the Clarets Ryan!
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