Guy Follows American Dream All Way To Saints

  • Fri, Jul 27, 2007 @ 8:06
FROM:

THE MLS may be enjoying unprecedented exposure with the arrival of David Beckham and the circus that permanently follows him but one Californian shunned the opportunity of senior football in his own country to begin a journey that has taken him to Ireland.

St Patrick's Athletic striker Ryan Guy came through the collegiate ranks in his native San Diego by making quite an impression with the city's university soccer team.

It was enough to assure that he would be in demand when he entered into one of those truly American traditions - that of the draft - which sees the professional clubs queuing for the cream of the crop when their studies come to an end.

Guy was the ninth pick in the second round of the draft and was designated to FC Dallas.

However, while the prospect of a career in the MLS lay ahead of him, the decision was made to try his luck in Europe. It wasn't an overnight decision.

"I felt that it was the next logical step in my career," says the 21-year-old. "I opted to come over here for a number of reasons. To play in Europe was always my dream and I wanted to see how it worked out. My family is all British. I grew up in a real soccer family and it's been about football for me since I was young.

"I talked to a couple of people, Americans that had played in Europe, like John Harkes and Frankie Heyduk and listened to what they had to say and that helped me in my decision.

"To me, coming to Europe, it's much more of a ladder system compared to the States. If I stayed at home, the pay might go up gradually but really you play at the same level.

"Here, it's much easier to start at a certain level and the better you play, the more you learn and you can really work your way up. It's a proper business but it just so happens that it's my passion as well so it helps."

After trials with Crystal Palace and FC Hannover, which didn't yield anything definite, Guy ended up at Inchicore.

It's a dramatic contrast with the sunny climates he has left behind and he readily admits that it has taken him time to adjust to his new surrounds.


Next Fixture

Drogheda United / March 29th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Weavers Park
 
Team Pld Pts
Shelbourne616
Derry City611
Sligo Rovers69
Waterford FC68
Galway United FC67
Bohemian FC57
Shamrock Rovers56
St Patrick's Athletic66
Drogheda United54
Dundalk52