A highly rated defender, Ryan showed true class after signing for Bournemouth from Arsenal in 2007.  He quickly established himself in the heart of the defence before suffering from a broken leg against Northampton Town and that was to be his last start for the first team that season.  He battled his way back to fitness and captained the reserve team in the latter stages of the season, and earned a place on the bench for the first team.  Ryan started the 08-09 campaign, but once again fell foul to injury problems but returning to training and started his first game since August against Blyth at Dean Court. Ryan regained his full fitness and was a major part of the side that enjoyed an excellent run in and was a tower of strength at the back.

He started the 09-10 season on the sidelines after suffering a dead leg in training, but came back with a bang with the winning goal against Rotherham, although concussion meant he had no recollection of it!  He went on to be a massive part of the side, but missed the run in through injiury.