King's Lynn swoop for ex-Manchester United, Fulham, Wigan Athletic, Luton Town and Ipswich Town ace
Published: 17:02, 28 July 2026
King’s Lynn Town have completed the signing of experienced midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe.
Manager Paul Caddis has hailed the arrival of the former Manchester United youngster as a major statement of intent ahead of the new season.
Tunnicliffe joins the Linnets after spending the majority of pre-season with the club, where he quickly impressed both on and off the pitch.
New King's Lynn Town signing Ryan Tunnicliffe.
New King's Lynn Town signing Ryan Tunnicliffe.
The 31-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience from a career that has seen him represent Manchester United, Fulham, Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Luton Town and Portsmouth, while also earning international honours with England at under-16 and under-17 level.
He has recently returned from a stint playing for Adelaide United in Australia.
Caddis said Tunnicliffe’s quality had been evident from the moment he arrived.
“Ryan Tunnicliffe is a player who needs little introduction. Having represented clubs such as Manchester United, Fulham, Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall, Luton Town and Portsmouth, his pedigree and experience speak for themselves.
“Ryan has spent the majority of pre-season with us, and from day one his quality has been obvious.
"Just as importantly, he has applied himself brilliantly, embraced everything we’ve asked of him and fitted seamlessly into the outstanding group of lads we already have at the football club.”
Caddis described the move as one that required little deliberation after seeing the midfielder’s influence around the squad during pre-season.
“In football, every now and then you come across a signing that is simply a ‘no-brainer’, and Ryan falls firmly into that category. To say this is a huge coup for King’s Lynn Town would be an understatement.
“His desire to be part of what we’re building, the enjoyment he’s found in our environment and the relationship we’ve developed throughout pre-season have all made this an easy decision for both parties.”
Born in Heywood, Greater Manchester, Tunnicliffe came through Manchester United’s academy system but was unable to break into the club’s first team.
During his time at Old Trafford he gained valuable experience through loan spells with Peterborough United, Barnsley and Ipswich Town before completing a permanent move to Fulham in January 2014.
Further loan spells followed with Wigan Athletic - on two separate occasions - and Blackburn Rovers before he joined Millwall in 2017. He later moved to Luton Town in 2019 and most recently featured for Portsmouth.
Caddis believes the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities will add another dimension to an already strong squad.
“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Ryan to King’s Lynn Town. We’re adding a player of exceptional quality, proven calibre and vast experience to what is already a fantastic group of men, and I’m excited to see the impact he’ll have both on and off the pitch this season."
The signing represents another significant addition for the Linnets as they continue preparations for the forthcoming campaign..
We have launched a twice-weekly newsletter covering sport in West Norfolk and Fenland.
To subscribe, visit: www.lynnnews.co.uk/newsletter