Ryan Henry East (born 7 August 1998) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL League Two club Rochdale.
Early life and career
East began his football journey at the youth academy of Reading, joining the club at age 10 in 2008. He progressed through the ranks and signed his first professional contract on 1 July 2016. He extended his contract on 6 July 2017, and on 12 March 2019, signed a new deal until the summer of 2021. He made his first-team debut for Reading on 12 March 2019, becoming the 50th graduate from the club's academy.
Club career
Swindon Town
On 7 August 2021, East signed for Swindon Town on a one-year contract following a trial. He made 16 league appearances for the club during the 2021–22 season. He was released at the end of his one-year deal following the team's defeat in the play-offs.
Bradford City
On 27 May 2022, East joined Bradford City on an initial two-year deal. He made 18 league appearances for the Bantams during the 2022–23 season.
Rochdale
On 14 August 2023, East joined Rochdale on a season-long loan. The transfer was made permanent in December 2023. He has since become a regular fixture in the Rochdale midfield, making over 100 appearances for the club across all competitions. On 7 August 2024, he signed a new contract until the summer of 2026, and later extended that deal further, committing to the club until at least 2027. He was part of the Rochdale side that won the National League play-offs in 2026, securing promotion to EFL League Two.
Career statistics
As of the end of the 2025–26 season, East has made 186 senior career appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals. The majority of his appearances have come for Rochdale (109 appearances, 8 goals).
Honours
Rochdale
- National League play-offs: 2026
References
- "EFL Released and Retained List 2016–17" (PDF). English Football League.
- "Ryan East". 11v11.
- "15 youngsters sign new pro deals with Reading". readingfc.co.uk. Reading F.C. 1 July 2016.
- "East pens new contract on brink of first team bow". readingfc.co.uk. Reading F.C. 12 March 2019.
- "EAST IS RED!". Swindon Town F.C. 7 August 2021.
- "EAST MOVES NORTH TO JOIN BANTAMS". www.bradfordcityafc.com. 27 May 2022.
- "Ryan East Joins Dale". www.rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale A.F.C. 14 August 2023.
- "East Extends Stay". www.rochdaleafc.co.uk. Rochdale A.F.C. 14 April 2025.
- "Ryan East | Football Stats | Rochdale". Soccerbase.
