Ryan Sweeney (footballer)


Ryan Joseph Sweeney is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Mansfield Town.

Early life

Sweeney was born in Kingston upon Thames and attended Richard Challoner School in New Malden where he was captain of the school football team. Sweeney's brother Dan was also in the academy at AFC Wimbledon. and currently plays for Barnet.

Playing career

AFC Wimbledon

Sweeney began his career with his local club AFC Wimbledon, joining their youth academy at the age of eight in 2005. He signed his first professional contract with AFC Wimbledon in February 2015. Sweeney made his Football league début for AFC Wimbledon on 6 April 2015, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute during the 4–0 away loss against Dagenham and Redbridge. He started Wimbledon's next match on 11 April 2015, a 0–0 draw against Oxford United at Kingsmeadow, and was named man of the match.
Sweeney began the 2015–16 season with the club's under-21 side before injury to Karleigh Osborne saw Neal Ardley give Sweeney his chance in defence against Luton Town on 13 February 2016. Wimbledon won the match 4–1 and Sweeney earned praise for his performance. He kept his place in the side until he was sent-off for conceding a penalty in a 2–1 defeat at Morecambe on 12 March 2016. Sweeney signed a new contract with Wimbledon in March 2016 after attracting interest from Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. On 4 August 2016 Wimbledon announced that they had agreed a fee with Stoke City for the transfer of Sweeney.

Stoke City

On 5 August 2016, Sweeney completed his move to Stoke City for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in the region of £250,000.

Bristol Rovers loan

On 20 January 2017 Sweeney joined Bristol Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2016–17 season. He impressed on his debut for the club, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over local rivals Swindon Town during which he had a header cleared off the line. He played 16 times for the Gas helping he club finish in 10th position.
Sweeney rejoined The Pirates on loan for the 2017–18 season. He scored his first goal for the Gas in a 3–1 win against Blackpool. Sweeney made 27 appearances in 2017–18 scoring four goals as Rovers finished in 13th position.

Mansfield Town

Sweeney joined Mansfield Town on loan for the 2018–19 season. After a successful six-month loan, Sweeney signed for the Stags on a permanent basis in January 2019.

International career

On 18 May 2015 Sweeney was called up to the Ireland U-18s squad for the first time.

Republic of Ireland U21s

On 15 March 2017, Sweeney was called up to the Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team for the first time for the Under 21 European Championship qualifier match against Kosovo. He started the game and played the whole game as Ireland ran out as 1–0 winners thanks to a 2nd half goal from Olamide Shodipo.

Career statistics

Honours

AFC Wimbledon
  • Football League Two play-offs: 2016