Friday 22 May 2015

RYAN HOPING TO COMPLETE UNIQUE WEMBLEY FAMILY DOUBLE

Whilst Plymouth Argyle failed to reach the League Two Play-off final this season, the city of Plymouth will be represented at Wembley by Plymouth-born Southend United midfielder Ryan Leonard.

The 22-year old, who turns 23 on Sunday, will be looking to help the Shrimpers mastermind a victory over the Pilgrims' conquerors, Wycombe Wanderers, and complete a unique family double.

His father Dave Leonard was a Wembley winner in 2007 with Truro City when, as a manager, he led the White Tigers to victory in the FA Vase final against AFC Totton.

Leonard senior was also a Wembley winner as a player with Tiverton Town in the 1998 and 1999 FA Vase finals respectively and this Saturday, Leonard junior will also be looking to emulate him by helping Southend to overcome the Chairboys.

Ryan had previously started his career with Argyle and made his debut as a substitute in March 2010 against Blackpool under Paul Mariner. However, he failed to feature under Mariner's successor Peter Reid and was released at the end of the 2010-11 after the Pilgrims had plunged into Administration.

Since then, he has rebuilt his career at Roots Hall when he was enticed to Essex by former Argyle manager Paul Sturrock in 2011, and has become a regular fixture under Sturrock's replacement Phil Brown.

Another former Pilgrim Will Atkinson, who enjoyed a loan spell at Home Park during the 2011-12 season, is also set to feature for the Shrimpers.