Ian Bryson
James Ian Cook Bryson is a Scottish former footballer.
Bryson was a junior for Ayr [United F.C.|Ayr United] but was released at 18. He then had a short spell at Hurlford United before moving to Kilmarnock, where he spent seven years as a semi-professional whilst still working on his parents farm. Bryson made almost 200 appearances for "Killie", mostly as a midfielder.
Bryson then got a breakthrough in the pre-season of 1988, when Dave Bassett offered Bryson a trial at Sheffield United. Bryson's trial was successful and he played a crucial part in two successive promotions from the old Third Division, through to the old First Division in 1990. Bryson remained a regular for United in the top flight, assisting and scoring crucial goals, notably a double in a 3–2 victory over Nottingham Forest, which was the first win of the season after 17 games without a win.
After 5 successful years at United, Bryson left for a brief spell at Barnsley, before he joined Preston [North End F.C.|Preston North End] in 1993 on his 31st birthday, where he briefly played alongside a young David Beckham.
Bryson was appointed captain of the north west club. Although Preston lost the Third Division playoff final 4–2 to Wycombe Wanderers, Bryson himself scored with a spectacular overhead kick. Two years later he led them to the Third Division title, lifting the trophy at Deepdale in front of a capacity crowd. Bryson ended his professional league career at Rochdale, later playing for Bamber [Bridge F.C.|Bamber Bridge].
He is still remembered with great affection at both Sheffield United and Preston. After retiring, Bryson spent a spell coaching youngsters at North End's academy. Ian still lives in Preston and still plays regularly for AC Sporting in the Preston area Veterans League.