Ryan Harley

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title: "Ryan Harley" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["1985-births", "living-people", "english-men's-footballers", "men's-association-football-midfielders", "bristol-city-f.c.-players", "forest-green-rovers-f.c.-players", "weston-super-mare-a.f.c.-players", "exeter-city-f.c.-players", "swansea-city-a.f.c.-players", "brighton-&-hove-albion-f.c.-players", "milton-keynes-dons-f.c.-players", "bath-city-f.c.-players", "swindon-town-f.c.-players", "frome-town-f.c.-players", "english-football-league-players", "national-league-(english-football)-players", "southern-football-league-players", "english-football-coaches", "milton-keynes-dons-f.c.-non-playing-staff", "notts-county-f.c.-non-playing-staff", "swansea-city-a.f.c.-non-playing-staff", "peterborough-united-f.c.-non-playing-staff", "footballers-from-bristol", "21st-century-english-sportsmen"] description: "English footballer & coach (born 1985)" topic_path: "technology/web" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Harley" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary English footballer & coach (born 1985) ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox football biography"]

Field	Value
name	Ryan Harley
image	Ryan Harley 28-02-2015 1.jpg
image_size	200
caption	Harley playing for Exeter City in 2015
fullname	Ryan Bernard Harley
birth_date
birth_place	Bristol, England
position	Midfielder
currentclub	Peterborough United (assistant manager)
youthclubs1	Bristol City
years1	2003–2006
years2	2005
years3	2006–2007
years4	2007–2011
years5	2011
years6	2011
years7	2011–2013
years8	2013
years9	2013–2015
years10	2014–2015
years11	2015–2018
years12	2018–2020
years13	2020–2021
years14	2021–2022
clubs1	Bristol City
clubs2	→ Forest Green Rovers (loan)
clubs3	Weston-super-Mare
clubs4	Exeter City
clubs5	Swansea City
clubs6	→ Exeter City (loan)
clubs7	Brighton & Hove Albion
clubs8	→ Milton Keynes Dons (loan)
clubs9	Swindon Town
clubs10	→ Exeter City (loan)
clubs11	Exeter City
clubs12	Milton Keynes Dons
clubs13	Bath City
clubs14	Frome Town
caps1	2
caps2	3
caps3	26
caps4	108
caps5	0
caps6	21
caps7	18
caps8	8
caps9	21
caps10	7
caps11	96
caps12	17
caps13	12
caps14	6
goals1	0
goals2	0
goals3	6
goals4	21
goals5	0
goals6	4
goals7	2
goals8	0
goals9	1
goals10	0
goals11	14
goals12	2
goals13	0
goals14	0
totalcaps	345
totalgoals	50
::

| name = Ryan Harley | image = Ryan Harley 28-02-2015 1.jpg | image_size = 200 | alt = | caption = Harley playing for Exeter City in 2015 | fullname = Ryan Bernard Harley | birth_date = | birth_place = Bristol, England | height = | position = Midfielder | currentclub = Peterborough United (assistant manager) | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Bristol City | years1 = 2003–2006 | years2 = 2005 | years3 = 2006–2007 | years4 = 2007–2011 | years5 = 2011 | years6 = 2011 | years7 = 2011–2013 | years8 = 2013 | years9 = 2013–2015 | years10 = 2014–2015 | years11 = 2015–2018 | years12 = 2018–2020 | years13 = 2020–2021 | years14 = 2021–2022 | clubs1 = Bristol City | clubs2 = → Forest Green Rovers (loan) | clubs3 = Weston-super-Mare | clubs4 = Exeter City | clubs5 = Swansea City | clubs6 = → Exeter City (loan) | clubs7 = Brighton & Hove Albion | clubs8 = → Milton Keynes Dons (loan) | clubs9 = Swindon Town | clubs10 = → Exeter City (loan) | clubs11 = Exeter City | clubs12 = Milton Keynes Dons | clubs13 = Bath City | clubs14 = Frome Town | caps1 = 2 | caps2 = 3 | caps3 = 26 | caps4 = 108 | caps5 = 0 | caps6 = 21 | caps7 = 18 | caps8 = 8 | caps9 = 21 | caps10 = 7 | caps11 = 96 | caps12 = 17 | caps13 = 12 | caps14 = 6 | goals1 = 0 | goals2 = 0 | goals3 = 6 | goals4 = 21 | goals5 = 0 | goals6 = 4 | goals7 = 2 | goals8 = 0 | goals9 = 1 | goals10 = 0 | goals11 = 14 | goals12 = 2 | goals13 = 0 | goals14 = 0 | totalcaps = 345 | totalgoals = 50 Ryan Bernard Harley (born 22 January 1985) is an English former professional footballer who is currently assistant manager at EFL League One club Peterborough United

His previous clubs include Bristol City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Swansea City, Exeter City and Milton Keynes Dons.

Career

Bristol City

Born in Bristol, Harley began his career with hometown club Bristol City. On 28 August 2004, Harley made his professional debut in a 3–0 loss against Port Vale at Vale Park in League One.

During the 2005–06 season, Harley was loaned to then Conference National side Forest Green Rovers. He made only 3 appearances for Rovers before returning to Bristol City.

Weston-super-Mare

In October 2006, Harley signed for Conference South side Weston-super-Mare. Harley went on to score six times in 26 appearances for the club.

Exeter City

In November 2007, Harley signed for Conference side Exeter City. He made his debut for the Grecians on 4 March 2008, coming on as a substitute for Andrew Taylor in a 2–2 draw against Crawley Town.

Harley's goal in the second leg of Exeter's play-off semi-final sparked a memorable comeback against rivals Torquay United. The victory took the Grecians to the play-off final at Wembley where they were promoted back to the Football League.

On 16 January 2010, Harley scored both goals against Leeds United in a 2–0 victory at St. James Park.

Harley scored the vital goal in the final game of the 2009–10 season against Huddersfield Town. The victory ensured Exeter's position in League One for the forthcoming season.

Swansea City

On 21 January 2011, Harley signed for the then Championship side Swansea City on a free transfer. He was loaned back to Exeter for the remainder of the 2010–11 season. In spite of the move, Harley would not make an appearance for the Swans.

Swansea beat Reading in the Championship play-off final on 30 May 2011 to progress to the Premier League.

Brighton & Hove Albion

On 22 August 2011, Harley joined Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion on a 3-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Harley made his debut at home in a 1–0 victory against Sunderland in the League Cup. He made his league debut against Peterborough United, scoring the second goal in a 2–0 win with a spectacular 30-yard free-kick.

In December 2012, Harley joined League One side MK Dons on loan for the remainder of the 2012–13 season. He made 11 appearances and scored 1 goal for the Dons.

Swindon Town

Harley completed a free transfer to League One side Swindon Town on 26 July 2013 after his contract at Brighton was terminated. He made 25 appearances and scored 4 goals during the 2013–14 season for the Robins.

Return to Exeter City

On 20 November 2014 Harley was loaned to his former club Exeter City until January. He had previously trained with the club during the season. On 12 January 2015 Exeter signed Harley to an 18-month deal after his contract was cancelled by Swindon.

Milton Keynes Dons

On 9 July 2018, Harley joined previous loan club and newly relegated League Two side Milton Keynes Dons, and scored on his league debut for the club on 4 August 2018 in a 1–2 away win over Oldham Athletic. He enjoyed promotion back to League One with the club at the conclusion of the 2018–19 season. Following the departure of manager Paul Tisdale early in the 2019–20, Harley took up more of a coaching role with the club and his appearances for the first team were limited. At the end of the season, Harley was one of nine players released.

Coaching career

In June 2022, Harley was appointed assistant head coach of National League club Notts County, assisting Luke Williams whom he had previously worked with at Milton Keynes Dons. The 2022–23 season brought success for Williams and Harley as they guided County to promotion through the play-offs having finished the regulation season in second place, despite having accumulated 107 points.

On 5 January 2024, Harley followed Williams to his former club Swansea City, again in the role of assistant head coach.

On 29 October 2025, Harley again followed Williams to become assistant manager of EFL League One side Peterborough United.

Career statistics

::data[format=table title="Appearances and goals by club, season and competition"] | Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Total | 2||0||0||0||0||0||1||0||3||0 | Total | 108||21||4||0||3||2||7||5||122||28 | Total | 18||2||1||0||2||0||0||0||21||2 | Total | 21||1||1||0||1||0||2||0||25||1 | Total | 96||14||4||0||3||1||9||3||112||18 | Total | 17||2||0||0||1||0||0||0||18||2 | Total | 12||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||3||0||18||0 | Career total | 345||50||16||1||10||3||24||8||395||62 | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Bristol City | 2004–05 | League One | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2005–06 | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Forest Green Rovers (loan) | 2005–06 | Conference Premier | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Weston-super-Mare | 2006–07 | Conference South | 26 | 6 | — | — | — | 26 | 6 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Exeter City | 2007–08 | Conference Premier | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 3 | 1 | 15 | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2008–09 | League Two | 31 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 34 | 5 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2009–10 | League One | 44 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 10 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2010–11 | League One | 21 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 25 | 11 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Swansea City | 2010–11 | Championship | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Exeter City (loan) | 2010–11 | League One | 21 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Brighton & Hove Albion | 2011–12 | Championship | 16 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 18 | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2012–13 | Championship | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Milton Keynes Dons (loan) | 2012–13 | League One | 8 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Swindon Town | 2013–14 | League One | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 25 | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2014–15 | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Exeter City (loan) | 2014–15 | League Two | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Exeter City | 2014–15 | League Two | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2015–16 | League Two | 28 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 32 | 5 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2016–17 | League Two | 31 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 36 | 7 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2017–18 | League Two | 19 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 26 | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Milton Keynes Dons | 2018–19 | League Two | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2019–20 | League One | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Bath City | 2020–21 | National League South | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | 15 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2021–22 | National League South | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Frome Town | 2021–22 | Southern League Division One South | 6 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ::

Honours

Exeter City

• Conference Premier play-offs: 2008
• Football League Two runner-up: 2008–09

Milton Keynes Dons

• EFL League Two third-place promotion: 2018–19

References

References

1. "List of Players under Written Contract Transferred Between 01/07/2018 and 31/07/2018". The Football Association.
2. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2004
3. "Games played by Ryan Harley in 2005/2006". Soccerbase.
4. (31 December 2012). "Harley revs up the Dons". Milton Keynes Dons.
5. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2007
6. (16 January 2010). "Exeter 2–0 Leeds United". BBC Sport.
7. (8 May 2010). "Exeter 2–1 Huddersfield". [[BBC Sport]].
8. (20 November 2014). "Swindon Town's Ryan Harley returns to Exeter City". BBC Sport.
9. (22 August 2011). "Swansea's Ryan Harley completes Brighton move". BBC Sport.
10. (23 August 2011). "Brighton 1–0 Sunderland". BBC Sport.
11. (27 August 2011). "Brighton 2–0 Peterborough". BBC Sport.
12. (31 December 2012). "Ryan Harley joins MK Dons on loan from Brighton". BBC Sport.
13. (2013-07-26). "Harley leaves Brighton for Swindon". BBC Sport.
14. (20 November 2014). "Swindon Town's Ryan Harley returns to Exeter City". BBC Sport.
15. (12 January 2015). "Ryan Harley: Exeter City sign Swindon Town midfielder". BBC Sport.
16. (9 July 2018). "Harley arrives at Stadium MK". Milton Keynes Dons.
17. (4 August 2018). "Report: Oldham Athletic 1–2 MK Dons". Milton Keynes Dons.
18. (21 June 2020). "Moore-Taylor and Reeves among the NINE released by MK Dons". Milton Keynes Citizen.
19. (14 June 2022). "Head coach: Luke Wiliams".
20. Aloia, Andrew. (13 May 2023). "Chesterfield 2–2 Notts County".
21. (5 January 2024). "Luke Williams joins Swansea City as head coach".
22. https://www.theposh.com/news/posh-appoint-luke-williams-new-manager
23. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2004
24. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2005
25. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2007
26. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2008
27. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2009
28. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2010
29. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2011
30. {{Soccerbase season. 38723. 2012
31. {{soccerbase season. 38723. 2013
32. {{soccerbase season. 38723. 2014
33. {{soccerbase season. 38723. 2015
34. {{soccerbase season. 38723. 2016
35. {{soccerbase season. 38723. 2017
36. {{soccerbase season. 38723. 2018
37. {{soccerbase season. 38723. 2019
38. "R. Harley: Summary". Perform Group.
39. "Ryan Harley Profile". Aylesbury United F.C..
40. Whyatt, Chris. (18 May 2008). "Exeter 1–0 Cambridge Utd". BBC Sport.
41. (2009). "Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2009–2010". Headline Publishing Group.
42. "League Two: 2018/19: Current table". Centurycomm.

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