Interview | Ryan Hardie
The latest issue of Argyle’s 2024/25 match-day programme features an exclusive feature with our number nine, Ryan Hardie.
Below, you can get a preview of the interview with Hardie, which is featured in full in the programme itself, the cover of which sees an illustration of the forward doing his signature 'salute' celebration, but mocked up in a retro Argyle shirt.
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Was football in your family growing up?
My Dad likes to think he played football quite well, but he was a beer drinker that played on Sunday mornings! We were always at the park together. I’m the oldest brother; once my brother came along, he became a goalkeeper so I could smash shots at him. Along with my cousins, we built a set of goals out of drainpipes at my granny and grandad’s. From a young age, any opportunity we got, we played football.
What was your first kit?
Probably an old Rangers kit. I don’t remember exactly. It might have been a Stranraer kit, where I’m from. It was probably one of the Diadora Rangers tops, when I was one or two years old.
Is there a coach from early in your life who stands out?
My boys’ club manager was called Tommy McBride. I joined mini-kickers at maybe under-4s, and he was the coach until I was 10 or 11, when I went into the pro-youth setup at Stranraer. I think Tommy still runs that club now. He’s probably 80-odd, but he still goes along on Mondays and Thursdays.
What position did you play in growing up?
I was a goalkeeper for a while, then I got bored of saving it, and wanted to get the glory of scoring the goals!
Is there a piece of advice you have never forgotten?
The most important thing I’ve been told is to make sure you’re happy. You don’t play good football when you’re not happy. I think it’s just about being positive, no matter what happens. If you miss, just think you’re going to score the next chance.
Was there ever a point where you could have done something else other than football? No. I wasn’t at school enough to be good at anything else!
What do you remember about your debut?
I remember more about my first time training with the first team. I think it is the only time I’ve ever been properly nervous. We used to be on separate sides of the building at Rangers. I got called to the first team, and I remember walking the corridor thinking ‘what am I going to say?’ The first thing I did was pick up the water bottles and get ready to take the stuff in for the coaches!
By my debut, I’d been training with them for a while. It was a cup game against Falkirk, so I was told I’d be travelling. When they sent me on, I was ready, looking forward to it, and excited. Growing up a Rangers fan, this felt like my time.
If someone was making a one-minute Ryan Hardie Mix Tape, with three or four moments, goals, etc., what would it feature?
Definitely my first start for Rangers, it was away at Dumbarton and I scored twice; my first hat-trick for Raith Rovers when I was there on loan; a game at Livingston, I scored against Hearts – we won 5-0 and they cancelled their Christmas night out!
For Argyle, one of my best moments was the winner at Salford, which was a 92nd-minute winner. I’ve had a lot of highlights here. I’d say the Devon Derby, when I scored a couple in the second half, I think my first goal in that game is one of my favourites. I did a kneeslide in front of the Devonport End, and I’ll never forget it.
