Ryan Burge (footballer)
{{short description|English footballer (born 1988)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Ryan Burge
| image = Ryan Burge with National League South trophy.jpg
| caption = Burge with the National League South title trophy
| fullname = Ryan James Burge{{cite book| editor-first = Barry J.| editor-last = Hugman| title = The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10| year = 2009| publisher = Mainstream Publishing| location = Edinburgh| isbn = 978-1-84596-474-0| page = 69 }}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|10|12|df=y}}{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/128983/ryan-burge |title=Ryan Burge |website=ESPN FC |access-date=23 May 2018}}
| birth_place = Cheltenham, England
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}{{cite web|title=Height: 183cm|url= https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/ryan-burge_prs374393/person.shtml}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Cadbury Athletic
| youthyears2 = | youthclubs2 = Birmingham City
| years1 = 2005–2008| clubs1 = Birmingham City | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2008–2009| clubs2 = Barnet | caps2 = 1 | goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2009 | clubs3 = Machida Zelvia | caps3 = | goals3 =
| years4 = 2010 | clubs4 = Worcester City{{Ref label|Hoddle|a|}} | caps4 = 1 | goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2010–2011| clubs5 = Jerez Industrial{{Ref label|Hoddle|a|}} | caps5 = 13 | goals5 = 2
| years6 = 2011 | clubs6 = Doncaster Rovers{{Ref label|Hoddle|a|}} | caps6 = 1 | goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2011 | clubs7 = → Oxford United (loan){{Ref label|Hoddle|a|}}| caps7 = 5 | goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2011 | clubs8 = Hyde{{Ref label|Hoddle|a|}} | caps8 = 0 | goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2011–2013| clubs9 = Port Vale | caps9 = 30 | goals9 = 2
| years10 = 2013–2014| clubs10 = Newport County | caps10 = 17 | goals10 = 2
| years11 = 2016 | clubs11 = Sutton United | caps11 = 17 | goals11 = 3
| years12 = 2017 | clubs12 = Eastleigh | caps12 = 5 | goals12 = 0
| totalcaps = 90| totalgoals = 9
}}
Ryan James Burge (born 12 October 1988) is an English former footballer who played as a midfielder in the English Football League and National League.
He started his professional career under contract at Birmingham City, Barnet and Japanese side Machida Zelvia. He joined the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain in the summer of 2009. From there, he was sent out to Worcester City, Jerez Industrial, Doncaster Rovers, and Oxford United to gain first-team experience. In June 2011, he signed with Port Vale via Hyde (partners of the Hoddle Academy). He left Port Vale in April 2013 after falling out with the club's management and signed with Newport County for the 2013–14 season. After over 18 months out of the game, he signed with Sutton United in February 2016, helping the club to win promotion as champions of National League South at the end of the 2015–16 season, he left the club in December 2016 and joined Eastleigh for a brief spell four months later.
Career
=Early career=
Born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire,{{Hugman|22439|access-date=23 May 2018}} Burge spent a year at West Bromwich Albion, before playing alongside Daniel Sturridge at Cadbury Athletic.{{cite news |date=12 September 2008 |title=Dream come true for Ryan |url=http://www.Thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Dream-come-true-Ryan/story-11930578-detail/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612033332/http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Dream-come-true-Ryan/story-11930578-detail/story.html |archive-date=12 June 2012 |access-date=28 June 2011 |work=Gloucestershire Echo}} He also had a spell with Coventry City.
=Birmingham City=
After being tracked by both Manchester United and Manchester City, he began his professional career at Birmingham City, where he signed a three-year contract at the age of 17.{{cite web|url=http://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10329~45642,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110517040539/http://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10329~45642,00.html|title=Ryan Burge|publisher=Doncaster Rovers F.C |archive-date=17 May 2011}} Following the departure of manager Steve Bruce,{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320100740/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2383238,00.html|title=Burge on Deal|date=29 June 2011|publisher=Port Vale F.C |archive-date=20 March 2012|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2383238,00.html}} Burge was released by Birmingham in March 2008. He went on trial at League Two club Hereford United and League One side Cheltenham Town. He was verbally offered a short-term contract by Cheltenham manager Keith Downing,{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/2-34pm-Burge-Hayles-agree-new-deals-Robins/story-11849404-detail/story.html|title=2.34pm – Burge and Hayles agree new deals with the Robins|date=11 September 2008|work=Gloucestershire Echo|access-date=28 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612033352/http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/2-34pm-Burge-Hayles-agree-new-deals-Robins/story-11849404-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 June 2012|url-status=dead}} but the deal collapsed after Downing was replaced as the Cheltenham manager by Martin Allen.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Burge-aims-big-time-agreeing-Donny-deal/story-11895082-detail/story.html|title=Burge aims for the big time after agreeing Donny deal|date=12 February 2011|work=Gloucestershire Echo|access-date=28 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612033407/http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Burge-aims-big-time-agreeing-Donny-deal/story-11895082-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 June 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/New-dawn-Ryan-land-rising-sun/story-11885849-detail/story.html|title=New dawn for Ryan in the land of the rising sun|date=10 March 2009|work=Gloucestershire Echo|access-date=28 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612033453/http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/New-dawn-Ryan-land-rising-sun/story-11885849-detail/story.html|archive-date=12 June 2012|url-status=dead}} He instead joined up with League Two side Barnet. He debuted for Barnet in the 4–0 home defeat by Notts County on 15 November 2008.{{Soccerbase season|50340|2008|name=Ryan Burge|access-date=13 August 2015}} This was the only appearance he made before his time there was disrupted by appendicitis, which ruled him out for four weeks. The club released him in January 2009.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603203050/http://www.barnetfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10431~1508347,00.html |title=Ryan Burge Moves On |first=Dennis |last=Signy |publisher=Barnet F.C |date=4 January 2009 |archive-date=3 June 2012|url=http://www.barnetfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10431~1508347,00.html }}
=Searching for a new club=
In February 2009, Burge travelled to Japan, the birthplace of his step-mother,{{cite news|title=New Boy Burge Happy to Settle Down at Last|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=20 July 2011|work=The Sentinel}} in the hope of securing a contract with a J-League club. He spent a week trialling with Division Two side Avispa Fukuoka, followed by a trial period at Division One club Oita Trinita.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/news/news/Burge-s-Japanese-adventure/article-714953-detail/article.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505083248/http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/news/news/Burge-s-Japanese-adventure/article-714953-detail/article.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 May 2013 |title=Burge's Japanese adventure |first=S. |last=Rogers |work=Gloucestershire Echo |date=21 February 2009 |access-date=8 March 2011 }} Top-flight sides F.C. Tokyo and Sagan Tosu also expressed an interest in Burge, as he was tested at Kokushikan University against players such as Hidetoshi Nakata. He later joined third-tier side Machida Zelvia, where he made a handful of appearances. Burge said that the clubs in Japan appreciate inexperienced but technical players and "they don't just go for big lumps that head it and kick people".
=Glenn Hoddle Academy=
In July 2009, Burge had to return to England to renew his visa to stay in Japan. He participated in a pre-season friendly against Malmesbury Victoria for Conference Premier side Forest Green Rovers. He was offered a contract but rejected it and joined the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain on a two-year deal, stating he felt it would help to improve his technical skill.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/sport/news/Cheltenham-footballer-snapped-Hoddle/article-1344106-detail/article.html |title=Cheltenham footballer snapped up by Hoddle |first1=Jon |last1=Palmer |first2=Jonathan |last2=Herbert |work=Gloucestershire Echo |date=17 September 2009 |access-date=8 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311085907/http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/sport/news/Cheltenham-footballer-snapped-Hoddle/article-1344106-detail/article.html |archive-date=11 March 2010 |url-status=dead }} Burge scored the quickest goal in the academy's history, netting against Spanish side San Fernando after just 12 seconds.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015073551/http://www.glennhoddleacademy.com/winning_start_for_gha_season.html |title=Winning Start for Glenn Hoddle Academy Season |publisher=Glenn Hoddle Academy |date=29 September 2009 |archive-date=15 October 2009|url=http://www.glennhoddleacademy.com/winning_start_for_gha_season.html }} In March 2010, Burge played once for Conference South club Worcester City, by arrangement with the academy.{{cite news |url=http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/sport/5060768.Bromley_2_Worcester_City_0/ |title=Bromley 2 Worcester City 0 |first=Steve |last=Carley |newspaper=Worcester News |date=14 March 2010 |access-date=8 March 2011}} In the 2010–11 season, Burge played for Jerez Industrial, the Spanish Tercera División club connected with the Glenn Hoddle Academy. He became established in central midfield after he recovered from numerous injury problems. He was sent off twice in 13 games and won the club's Player of the Month award for October 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.jerezindustrialcf.com/index.php?view=article&catid=56%3Ajugador-del-mes&id=641%3Aryan-burge-mejor-jugador-del-mes-de-octubre-2010&option=com_content&Itemid=69 |title=Ryan Burge: Mejor Jugador del Mes Octubre 2010 |trans-title=Ryan Burge: Best Player of the Month October 2010 |language=Spanish |publisher=Jerez Industrial CF |date=14 November 2010 |access-date=8 March 2011}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}} They were in contention for promotion to the Segunda División B when a November 2010 article on the BBC Sport website described Burge as "the current star of the side".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philminshull/2010/11/hoddle_restores_an_english_inf.html |title=Jerez, Hoddle and a British takeover |first=Phil |last=Minshull |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 November 2010 |access-date=8 March 2011}}
=Doncaster Rovers=
Burge moved to Championship club Doncaster Rovers on a short-term deal on transfer deadline day, 31 January 2011.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/doncaster/9382681.stm |title=Doncaster Rovers sign Ryan Burge and Joseph Mills |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2011 |access-date=8 March 2011}} He made his Doncaster debut as a second-half substitute in a 6–0 home defeat to Ipswich Town on 15 February 2011. That was to be his only appearance for the club.{{cite news |url=http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster/match_report_doncaster_rovers_0_ipswich_town_6_1_3083257 |title=Match Report: Doncaster Rovers 0 Ipswich Town 6 |newspaper=Sheffield Star|location=Sheffield |date=16 February 2011 |access-date=8 March 2011}} On 17 March 2011, Burge joined League Two team Oxford United on loan for the rest of the season, after impressing in a reserve game against Colchester United which Oxford won 2–0.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/9427963.stm |title=Oxford United sign Doncaster Rovers' Ryan Burge on loan |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 March 2011 |access-date=17 March 2011}} He went straight into the starting line-up for the match against Crewe Alexandra two days later, and provided the assist for James Constable's winning goal.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9422378.stm |title=Oxford United 2–1 Crewe |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 March 2011 |access-date=21 March 2011}} His first performance at Oxford received praise in the local media.{{cite news|url=http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/oxfordunited/8931601.Burge_is_proving_a_pass_Master/|title=Burge is proving a pass Master|date=25 March 2011|newspaper=Oxford Mail |access-date=10 July 2011}} A week later, Steve MacLean opened the scoring against Burton Albion. Burge reportedly claimed the goal after the ball took a deflection off his heel on its way into the net for what would have been his first Football League goal.{{cite news |url=http://www.banburycake.co.uk/sport/oxfordunited/unitednews/8946761.Burge_was_claiming_goal/ |title=Burge was claiming goal |first=Jon |last=Murray |newspaper=Banbury Cake |date=1 April 2011 |access-date=3 April 2011}} In mid-April 2011 Doncaster recalled him,{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,18939_6882988,00.html |title=Burge back with Rovers |publisher=Sky Sports |date=18 April 2011 |access-date=30 May 2011}} and a few weeks later they offered him a new deal.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320012215/http://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10329~2362825,00.html |title=Defensive Duo Released |first=Chris |last=Mortley |publisher=Doncaster Rovers F.C |date=19 May 2011 |archive-date=20 March 2012|url=http://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10329~2362825,00.html }}
=Hyde to Port Vale=
In June 2011 he signed a two-year deal with Micky Adams' Port Vale.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9524455.stm|title=Ben Williamson and Ryan Burge join Port Vale |date=28 June 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=28 June 2011}} The League Two club had to pay Hyde a small undisclosed fee,{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Burge-targets-promotion-signs-Vale/story-12849315-detail/story.html|title=Port Vale: Burge targets promotion as he signs on at Vale|date=29 June 2011|newspaper=The Sentinel |location=Stoke-on-Trent|access-date=29 June 2011}} as the Conference North side secured his contract from their partnership with the Glenn Hoddle Academy.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320100728/http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2382664,00.html|title=Double Swoop for Adams|date=28 June 2011|publisher=Port Vale F.C |archive-date=20 March 2012|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2382664,00.html}}{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110801021240/http://www.hydefc.co.uk/newsarticle.php?id=385|title=New Signings|date=28 June 2011|publisher=Hyde F.C |archive-date=1 August 2011|url=http://www.hydefc.co.uk/newsarticle.php?id=385}} He missed the start of the 2011–12 season with a knee injury,{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Old-pals-prepare-clash-Vale-Gills/story-13502746-detail/story.html|title=Port Vale: Old pals prepare to clash as Vale take on Gills|date=7 October 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=7 October 2011}} and in November 2011 it was revealed that he would have to undergo surgery to correct the problem.{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Striker Williamson facing lengthy spell on sidelines|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Striker-Williamson-facing-lengthy-spell/story-13755174-detail/story.html|access-date=4 November 2011|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=4 November 2011}} He did not feature in matchday squads for the rest of the season, and was transfer listed in May 2012.{{cite web|title=Contracts latest|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2763722,00.html|publisher=Port Vale F.C|access-date=8 May 2012}} {{dead link|date=February 2013}} The door to the first-team remained open though, after Burge had an encouraging and injury-free pre-season.{{cite news|title=Transfer-listed Burge still has chance with Vale|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Transfer-listed-Burge-chance-Vale/story-16655830-detail/story.html|access-date=6 August 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=6 August 2012}}
He came off the bench on 14 August 2012 – his first competitive game for twelve months – and "pulled the strings to help Vale control the second half" in a League Cup defeat to Championship side Burnley.{{cite news|title=Match stats v Burnley|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Match-stats-v-Burnley/story-16712049-detail/story.html|access-date=16 August 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=15 August 2012}} He made his long-awaited league debut at Vale Park four days later, replacing Chris Shuker 79 minutes into a 3–0 win over Barnet.{{cite news|title=Port Vale sealed a comfortable opening-day victory over disappointing Barnet|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19221537|access-date=19 August 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=18 August 2012}} Despite some impressive cameo appearances from the bench, a streak of wins kept Burge out of the first XI until 29 September 2012, when he made his first league start for the club at Valley Parade, in a 1–0 win over Bradford City.{{cite news|title=Bradford City 0–1 Port Vale|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19684376|access-date=29 September 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 September 2012}} He scored his first goal for the club in the Football League Trophy at the Bescot Stadium; his {{convert|20|yd}} left-footed strike helped Vale to battle to a 2–2 draw with Walsall, though he missed his penalty in the shoot-out victory.{{cite news|title=Match report v Walsall|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Match-report-v-Walsall/story-17061775-detail/story.html|access-date=10 October 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=10 October 2012}} He opened the scoring in a 2–2 home draw with York City on 17 November 2012,{{cite news|title=Port Vale 2–2 York|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20278383|access-date=21 November 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 November 2012}} and was selected on the League Two Team of the Week for his performance.{{cite news|title=Midfielder makes the cut|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/article/20121121-team-of-the-week-499713.aspx|access-date=21 November 2012|publisher=Port Vale F.C|date=21 November 2012}}
He established himself in central midfield over the New Year with "a string of impressive performances".{{cite news|title=Burge ready to pit his skills against Dutch master|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Burge-ready-pit-skills-Dutch-master/story-18089047-detail/story.html|access-date=8 February 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=8 February 2013}} However, on 12 March 2013 he missed a pre-match team meal, but claimed he made his own way for the match against Bristol Rovers, only to be informed that he was not in the matchday squad when he was just five minutes away from Bristol.{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Guy|title=Burge returns to Port Vale squad|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Burge-returns-Port-Vale-squad/story-18414423-detail/story.html|access-date=14 March 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=14 March 2013}} He took to Twitter to put his side of the story across, and an angry Micky Adams responded by saying Burge's tweets were "absolute nonsense and he's going to be disciplined".{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Guy|title=Adams blasts critics after defeat|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-blasts-critics-defeat/story-18393271-detail/story.html|access-date=13 March 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=13 March 2013}} Burge was suspended for two weeks for breaking the club's "social media guidelines" after club management claimed he refused to apologise for the incident.{{cite news|title=Two-week ban for Burge the defiant|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-week-ban-Burge-defiant/story-18433763-detail/story.html|access-date=16 March 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=16 March 2013}} On 12 April 2013, with three games left of the season, Burge left the club by mutual consent.{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Guy|title=Ryan Burge leaves Port Vale by mutual consent|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Ryan-Burge-leaves-Port-Vale-mutual-consent/story-18686124-detail/story.html|access-date=12 April 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=12 April 2013}} Club chairman Paul Wildes stated that "this has been a difficult decision for both parties".{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Ryan Burge released by the club after Twitter row|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22126884|access-date=12 April 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=12 April 2013}} Vale secured promotion into League One at the end of the 2012–13 season.
=Newport County=
Burge was linked with a move to Peterborough United in May 2013, though also stated that "I am confident I could do a job at Championship level".{{cite news|title=Free agent Ryan Burge drops hint about rejoining Peterborough|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11764/8698808/Free-agent-Ryan-Burge-drops-hint-about-re-joining-Peterborough|access-date=30 May 2013|newspaper=Sky Sports|date=8 May 2013}} He also had a trial spell with Burnley.{{cite news|title=Family comes first, claims Vincent after Robins move|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=21 July 2013}} He eventually signed a contract with League Two side Newport County on 30 August 2013.{{cite news|last=Penman|first=Andrew|title=County snap up midfielder Ryan Burge|url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10644960.County_snap_up_midfielder_Ryan_Burge/|access-date=30 August 2013|newspaper=South Wales Argus|date=30 August 2013}} Illness and injuries limited his contribution at the beginning of the 2013–14 season.{{cite news|title=Ryan Burge ready to hit top gear in Newport County's promotion bid|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-burge-ready-hit-top-6728539|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=Wales Online|date=19 February 2014}} He impressed in central midfield during the second half of the campaign and manager Justin Edinburgh was reported to have opened talks to extend Burge's stay at Rodney Parade beyond the summer.{{cite news|last=Penman|first=Andrew|title=Exiles ace Ryan Burge in talks over new contract|url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/football/newportcounty/11129232.Exiles_ace_Ryan_Burge_in_talks_over_new_contract/|access-date=4 May 2014|newspaper=South Wales Argus|date=5 April 2014}} Despite these reports, Burge left the club in May 2014.{{cite news|title=Newport County: Mike Flynn in talks over new contract|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27282393|access-date=5 May 2014|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=5 May 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Penman|first1=Andrew|title=I'm no troublemaker, says Ryan Burge after Exiles exit|url=http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11195968.I_m_no_troublemaker__says_Ryan_Burge_after_Exiles_exit/|access-date=11 June 2014|work=South Wales Argus|date=7 May 2014}}
In June 2014, he was reported to have agreed terms with South African side Bidvest Wits of the Premier Soccer League, but the move was never completed.{{cite news|last1=Crann|first1=Joe|title=Burge Agrees Terms With Wits|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/leagues/south-african-premier-soccer-league/ryan-burge-could-be-completing-move-to-wits-soon/164489|access-date=6 April 2015|work=soccerladuma.co.za|date=3 June 2014}} He had a trial with Cheltenham Town in March 2015 and impressed in a reserve game against Plymouth Argyle after being out injured for the season, but the club was unable to offer him a contract, even though his grandad was on the board.{{cite news|last1=Young|first1=James|title=Cheltenham Town sign Derby County striker Shaquille McDonald ahead of transfer deadline|url=http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Cheltenham-Town-sign-Derby-County-striker/story-26238049-detail/story.html|access-date=5 April 2015|work=Gloucester Echo|date=26 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705170130/http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Cheltenham-Town-sign-Derby-County-striker/story-26238049-detail/story.html|archive-date=5 July 2015|url-status=dead}}
=Sutton United=
In February 2016, Burge signed with National League South club Sutton United on a contract running until summer 2017.{{cite news|title=Cheltenham footballer Ryan Burge signs for Sutton United|url=http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/Cheltenham-footballer-Ryan-Burge-signs-Sutton/story-28813942-detail/story.html|access-date=26 February 2016|work=Gloucteshire Echo|date=26 February 2016}}{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He contributed three goals in five games as the U's won promotion into the National League as champions of the Southern Division in 2015–16.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36121689|title=Sutton United clinch promotion to the National League|work=BBC Sport|access-date=3 June 2016}} He was forced to miss the rest of the season after his ankle ligaments were damaged from a heavy challenge he received during a 2–0 win at Wealdstone on 22 March.{{cite news|last1=Ashton|first1=Tim|title=SUTTON UNITED: Burge's season-ending injury woe|url=http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/sport/14374867.SUTTON_UNITED__Burge_s_season_ending_injury_woe/|access-date=9 December 2016|work=Sutton Guardian|date=22 March 2016}} Burge made his National League debut in a 1–1 draw with Forest Green Rovers at The New Lawn on 9 August.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36949608|title=Forest Green Rovers 1 Sutton United 1|date=9 August 2016|access-date=9 October 2016|publisher=BBC}} On 9 December 2016, Burge was released by Sutton United as he looked to continue his career nearer to his Cheltenham home.{{cite web |url=http://www.suttonunited.net/news.php#3803 |title=FA Trophy preview and squad news |publisher=Sutton United FC |access-date=9 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512064011/http://www.suttonunited.net/news.php#3803 |archive-date=12 May 2016 |df=dmy-all }}
=Eastleigh=
Burge signed with National League side Eastleigh on 13 March 2017; caretaker manager Richard Hill said that "he likes to pass the ball and move well".{{cite news|title=Ryan Burge: Eastleigh sign former Port Vale and Newport midfielder|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39255588|access-date=13 March 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=13 March 2017}} He played five games for the "Spitfires" before being sidelined with an ankle injury.{{cite news|last1=Baggaley|first1=Michael|title=You're kidding! Ex team mates react as Ryan Burge applies for Port Vale job|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/youre-kidding-ex-team-mates-491043|access-date=18 September 2017|work=Stoke Sentinel|date=18 September 2017}}
At the age of 28, Burge applied for the vacant managerial post at Port Vale following the dismissal of Michael Brown in September 2017.{{cite news|last1=Palmer|first1=Jon|title=Cheltenham footballer to apply for Port Vale manager's job|url=http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cheltenham-footballer-apply-port-vale-488802|access-date=18 September 2017|work=gloucestershirelive|date=17 September 2017}}
Style of play
Keith Downing described Burge as "aggressive" and that he is "technically good and has a good frame". After arriving at Port Vale in June 2011, Vale manager Micky Adams stated, "Ryan is a creative central midfielder and will bring plenty of quality on the ball, but he is also a very hard-working individual". Neil Duncanson, the Glenn Hoddle Academy's commercial director said: "Ryan is very strong, powerful and suited to the front of a diamond in central midfield. He's a creative player who can take an excellent dead ball".{{cite news | url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Adams-makes-double-player-swoop/story-12844542-detail/story.html | title=Adams makes double player swoop | work=The Sentinel |date=28 June 2011| access-date=28 June 2011}} Burge has said of himself that "I'm a midfield player who likes to put my foot in, as well as to get on the ball and create things. I try to be an all-round midfield player and do a bit of everything".
Business career
Burge set up his own fashion label, Ten Club London, and sold the naming rights to American rock band Pearl Jam in 2018.{{cite news |last1=Palmer |first1=Jon |title=Footballer's fashion trademark bought by American rock giants |url=https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-birmingham-city-footballers-fashion-1504017 |access-date=17 April 2019 |work=gloucestershirelive |date=26 April 2018}}
Personal life
His grandfather, Rod Burge, was a member of Cheltenham Town's board of directors for over 25 years before his death in April 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.ctfc.com/club/whoiswho/|title=Who's Who|date=15 February 2012 |first=James |last=Brown |publisher=Cheltenham Town F.C |access-date=5 February 2012}}
Career statistics
{{notelist}}
Honours
Notes
::a. {{note|Hoddle}} Burge's spells at Worcester City, Jerez Industrial, Doncaster Rovers, Oxford United, and Hyde took place under an agreement with the Glenn Hoddle Academy, to which he was contracted during this period.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Burge, Ryan}}
Category:Footballers from Cheltenham
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Birmingham City F.C. players
Category:Worcester City F.C. players
Category:Jerez Industrial CF players
Category:Doncaster Rovers F.C. players
Category:Oxford United F.C. players
Category:Hyde United F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Newport County A.F.C. players
Category:Sutton United F.C. players
Category:Eastleigh F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Tercera División players
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Japan
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in Japan
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in Spain