| Ian Bryson | |
| Fullname: | James Ian Cook Bryson |
| Birth Date: | 1962 11, df=y |
| Birth Place: | Kilmarnock, Scotland |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Youthyears1: | 1980–1981 |
| Years1: | 1981–1988 |
| Years2: | 1988–1993 |
| Years3: | 1993 |
| Years4: | 1993–1997 |
| Years5: | 1997–1999 |
| Clubs5: | Rochdale |
| Caps1: | 215 |
| Caps2: | 156 |
| Caps3: | 16 |
| Caps4: | 151 |
| Caps5: | 54 |
| Goals1: | 40 |
| Goals2: | 38 |
| Goals3: | 3 |
| Goals4: | 19 |
| Goals5: | 1 |
| Totalcaps: | 495 |
| Totalgoals: | 101 |
James Ian Cook Bryson (born 26 November 1962, in Kilmarnock) is a Scottish former footballer.
Bryson was a junior for Ayr United but was released at 18.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5]
After 5 successful years at United, Bryson left for a brief spell at Barnsley, before he joined 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.
He is still remembered with great affection at both Sheffield United and Preston.[6] [7] [8] 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.
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