In step with our growing reputation for producing super talent at home, Ryan Doherty emerged onto the scene for the 2024-5 season. The young prospect came into the first team fray during the pre-season campaign; a midfielder most commonly and confirmed as a first-year scholar to underline the hopes held in him. He first gained first team action in our friendly against Luton Town, with Alex Revell granting 45 minutes of game time to him. The hope (and, indeed, the expectation) was that he’d get more opportunities as the season evolved.

That came to pass in early October when Doherty made the subs bench for our Football League Trophy match away to Peterborough United. By this point, however, the midfielder was already making waves. And he was being eyed up as a next big earner for the club. Even as early as July 2024 was it reported that Premier League clubs were circling. Was he to follow in the footsteps of players like Ben Wilmot? Maybe. That interest didn’t yield any firm offers – that we know of, anyway. But this only served to highlight the esteem in which the club (and others) held Doherty.

Ryan Doherty: After Boro’

Such was his rise in esteem and reputation at Boro’, clubs understandably took an interest in his services. By the time it got to the January 2026 transfer window, Doherty’s stock was high. Not least because he’d fought his way into the first team and made his first start for us. The lucky club to prise him away would be Ipswich Town; parting with a “significant six-figure fee” and agreeing to add-ons as they whisked him away to Portman Road. Good business no doubt for us, as well as a fantastic chance for Doherty to advance his career. Go well Ryan!