Rising Star Q&A with Clyde FC’s Ryan Mullen

Ryan Mullen is one of Clyde’s newest recruits having signed a deal with the Scottish League One club until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old came through the ranks of Celtic’s academy, before departing the Parkhead club this summer. During his time at Lennoxtown, the youngster participated in the UEFA Europa Youth League, at the age of 16. In addition, he is also capped at U19 level for Scotland.

Q: Why did you feel the time was right to leave Celtic?

A: “I always had aspirations of moving on from Celtic and if it wasn’t for injuries, I would have moved on a couple of years ago. I found myself in a situation where I was out on loan at Cove Rangers and Queen’s Park picking up injuries and slowly becoming out of favour. Fortunately, I had another two years left in my deal and I was able to find some form and momentum playing for the B team. I then had a year left and Celtic had agreed to let me move on, if I could find a team that would sign me. It was almost a blessing in disguise they decided to terminate the last year of my deal, as I’m now able to go and get some much needed game time.”

Q: How did the move to Clyde come about and how proud were you to sign for the club?

A: “Paul Kennedy had mentioned to me that Clyde had started pre-season without any goalkeepers as they were on holiday. So, I offered to come in and help out as it work for me and the club. Ever since then, even through a couple of freak injuries, Clyde, the gaffer, James [Evans] and all of the boys have been so welcoming and it really felt like a place where I was wanted and ultimately could progress and develop as a player and a person.”

Q: What is it like working with Danny Lennon, goalkeeping coach, James Evans and the management team?

A: “I’ve loved every minute. They’ve given me the chance to come in and express myself whilst working to the common team goal of getting results and playing good football. James Evans has been amazing with me, such a great guy and even better goalkeeping coach who has pushed me to be the best I can in training every day.”

Q: How proud were you to keep a clean sheet on your debut in the 1-0 win over Caernarfon Town in the SPFL Trust Trophy?

A: “It honestly didn’t even feel like a debut for me, I’ve played in three/four pre-season games that it just felt like second nature. The atmosphere, however, was different when it came to the fans and playing a competitive match. The boys made sure I was switched on and focused to getting the result. I was extremely proud of myself to come into the team and keep a clean sheet, after a difficult last few months and that wouldn’t have been possible without the support from my family, but more importantly the team- they have given me the upmost confidence in myself and I can’t thank them enough for how much they’ve made me feel at home.” 

Q: What are your aspirations for the remainder of the season?

A: “Personally, in the short-term, I think it’s about getting to January in the promotion play-off spots, which would set us up to go into the end of the season full of confidence and momentum. I want to stay injury-free and contribute to an already brilliant team.”