Ryan Esson

Ryan John Esson (born 19 March 1980) is a Scottish former professional football goalkeeper who is the head coach of Highland league side Strathspey Thistle.

Aberdeen got to the 2000 Scottish Cup Final, and after only three minutes of the match Jim Leighton (playing in his last career game) sustained a serious head injury.

His contract expired at the end of the 2005–06 season, and after playing in 18 matches during the campaign, he decided to leave the club in order to seek more first team games.

[6] However, with no firm offers on the table, Esson opted to see out his contract at the club, and he attempted to win back the first choice goalkeeper's berth.

With Glyn Garner firmly established as the club's number one goalkeeper, rumours linked Esson with a move back to Scotland.

In July 2024, Esson was quietly, and controversially, released by Inverness, which ultimately became the tipping point that saw CEO Scot Gardiner sacked.

The following month, it was announced that Esson had become the new manager of Highland League side, Strathspey Thistle, with former Inverness teammate, Aaron Doran, being his first signing as well as joining him in the coaching staff.