Wexford reap benefits of Ryan’s U-turn

AT just 34 and with an All-Ireland semi-final already on his CV, Jason Ryan could be Gaelic football’s answer to Andre Villas-Boas — but his biggest lesson in management to date was one shared by Alex Ferguson, a man three decades his elder.

Ten years ago, the man from Govan announced he was embarking on his last season at Old Trafford. It was a decision he would regret and one that looks all the more premature now given his continued residency at Manchester United.

Ryan fell victim to the same circumstances before last season when he declared the 2010 campaign would be his last with Wexford. His three-year term was up and that was that. He was happy to walk away. Or so he thought.