Ryan Cooney

Ryan Thomas Cooney (born 26 February 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for NIFL Premiership side Glentoran.

Career

Bury Cooney was born in Manchester. He joined Bury at the age of nine, progressing through the club's youth academy and being made captain of the youth team. Cooney was promoted to the first-team squad in the 2016–17 season while still a scholar because of injuries. He made his debut on 26 August 2017, playing against Rochdale in a League One match which ended 0–0. In the first half of the season he was a regular part of Steve Stone's side and contributed towards a 17-match unbeaten run.

Morecambe (loan spells) On 2 January 2020, he was sent out on loan for the first time when he joined League Two side Morecambe until the end of the season along with Adam Phillips. There was frustration in March 2020, as COVID-19 brought the loan to an abrupt halt as Cooney had been beginning to settle in and was playing and performing consistently. Cooney and Phillips spoke during the lockdown and agreed that they would return to Morecambe if the opportunity arose in the following season, describing manager Derek Adams as a big influence.

Morecambe On 24 June 2021, it was announced that Cooney had signed for Morecambe on a free transfer on a two-year deal after turning down the offer of a new contract at Burnley. In May 2023, Cooney was one of 14 players released by Morecambe following their relegation to League Two.

Crewe Alexandra On 23 June 2023, League Two side Crewe Alexandra announced the signing of Cooney on a two-year deal. He made his Crewe debut at Gresty Road on 5 August 2023, coming on as an 81st minute substitute for Zac Williams in a 2–2 draw with Mansfield Town. Cooney was sent off after a second yellow card in Crewe's 1–0 defeat at Port Vale in an EFL Trophy tie on 5 September 2023. He scored his first Crewe goal (a penalty) in a 5–1 defeat of Liverpool U21s in an EFL Trophy group game at Gresty Road on 27 August 2024. On 14 May 2025, the club announced Cooney would be leaving in June when his contract expired.

Glentoran On 14 July 2025, Cooney joined Belfast-based NIFL Premiership side Glentoran on a two-year deal. He made his club debut in a 1–0 win at Portadown on 9 August 2025, and scored his first goal a week later, securing a 1–0 win over Bangor. On 3 January 2026, Cooney provided six assists, helping team-mate Pat Hoban score a double hat-trick in a 7–0 win over Carrick Rangers.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

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2016–17 League One

2017–18 League One

2018–19 League Two

2019–20 Premier League

2020–21 League Two

2021–22 League One

2022–23 League One

Glentoran 2025–26

Morecambe EFL League Two play-offs: 2021