Ayrshire football: Departing Irvine Vics legend says beating Meadow was right up there with league triumph

Ryan Singleton, who quit this week to join Ardrossan Winton Rovers, played his part in arguably the most successful spell in the club’s history.

Ryan Singleton can look back on his eight years at Irvine Vics with enormous pride.

The utility man, who quit this week to join Ardrossan Winton Rovers, played his part in arguably the most successful spell in the club’s history.

One historic title - the club’s first in 40 years – and two promotions rank high in the Westenders’ achievements over the same period.

Singleton even finished one season as top scorer - not a bad return from a man who believes his best position is midfield.

But even taking all those accolades into account, getting one over derby rivals Irvine Meadow meant just as much to the 25-year-old.

In fact it was the first thing he mentioned when asked for his highlights.

“Beating Meadow 3-1 and 4-1 was great, and obviously winning the league was up there too,” he said without a detectable hint of devilment.

“I’ve loved my time at the club but I just felt I needed a fresh change,” added Singleton.

“Leaving had been on my mind in the second half of last season. I realised I just wasn’t enjoying it as much anymore.

“I’d been there so long. I’m the last man standing from the team that won the league five years ago.

“Don’t get me wrong, it was still a good group of boys in the dressing room but I decided it was the right time to move on.”

Singleton admits he’s desperate to make a midfield spot his own at Winton after playing a more versatile role at Vics, particularly over the last few seasons.

Vics boss Brian McLuckie converted him from an attacking midfielder into a centre-half – a position he’d never played before in his life.

On one famous occasion earlier this year he even played between the sticks after stepping in for crocked keeper Jamie Walker.

“I would like to settle back into playing in midfield regularly as I think that’s my best position, said Singleton.

“Being a utility man probably didn’t serve me too well in the end up at Vics. I even ended up playing at left-back at one point.”