$sponsor.sponsorText.value
![$sponsor.imageLogo.list.get(0).content.name]()
KIRRIE YOUNGSTER PENS TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH UNITED
A 16-year-old Kirriemuir youth has taken a major step forward in his bid to carve out a professional football career by signing a two-year-deal with Dundee United.
Ryan 'Fergie' Ferguson, the son of Stewart and Karen Ferguson, has been with the current Scottish Cup holders for the past seven seasons, having caught the eye of Tannadice scouts at the tender age of nine.
Born and brought up in Kirriemuir, Ryan attended Northmuir Primary School and Webster's High School.
And, it was while Down Under - his family enjoying a year-out in Australia - that he got his first taste of football at team level, playing for Warners Bay Tigers.
Soon after a return to Kirriemuir, Ryan joined the Kirriemuir set up at under-nine level and he was soon catching the eye of talent scouts.
The wide midfield player's skills were brought to the attention of Graeme Liveston, the then head of youth at Tannadice, and Ryan was soon turning out for the United Under-10 side.
He has progressed through the youth set-up since, his involvement at Tannadice earning him successive trips to France to represent the club at Under-14 and Under-15 level.
Having put pen to paper to sign a two-year contract as a professional footballer, Ryan's number one aim is to break into the first team.
He was the youngest player in the current crop of talent to get signed up this close season, indeed the only one of the 1994-born youngsters to earn a deal.
"The youth set-up at Tannadice is pretty good and my immediate goal will be to work towards a place in the first team, hopefully catching the eye of international scouts at the same time," explains Ryan.
The 16-year-old resides in Dundee from Sunday to Friday, training twice a day, in addition to helping carry out the many tasks associated with running a professional football club, such as cleaning and looking after kit and equipment, etc.
Ryan's career will continue under the watchful eye of the current head of youth at Tannadice, Stevie Campbell, although pre-season training offers opportunities to work out with members of the first team squad.
Playing for the Under-17 side and, hopefully, the Under-19 side in the weeks and months ahead will provide opportunities to sample the atmosphere of all the top grounds around the country.
"Earning a professional full-time contract means that Ryan will now be facing top ranked teams on a regular basis," explains his father. "Playing at a higher level of football can only be good for his development."
Ryan is indebted to the opportunities he has had so far, from his early involvement with the Young Sky Blues in Forfar and playing for Kirrie Youths, and though his development over the last seven years at Dundee United.
He also had a word of praise for the staff of the schools he attended in Kirriemuir.
"Both Northmuir Primary School and Webster's High School were extremely supportive, allowing me time off to attend games and tournaments. I would also like to thank my parents for their support."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Forfar
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South west
