Ronald Wallwork was born in Newton Heath, Manchester on September 10th 1977. He joined the Manchester United Academy straight from school as a 16-year old, attending the national school at Lilleshall and playing in the same youth team as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

He stayed with the club for seven years, making 19 appearances either in defence or in defensive midfield. During his time at Old Trafford he won the 1995 FA Youth Cup Final and picked up the Manchester United 'Young Player of the Year' award in 1996.

Despite never establishing himself in the first-team under Sir Alex Ferguson, Wallwork gained vital League experience through loan spells with Carlisle United (1997/98), Stockport County (1998) and with Belgian side Royal Antwerp (1999).

During his spell with Antwerp - who have a long standing relationship with the Red Devils - Wallwork was actually banned from football for life after an alleged attack on a referee that also involved team-mate Danny Higginbotham. However, Ronnie's ban was reduced to three years after an appeal in a Belgian court, of which two years were probational.

Ronnie returned to England and eventually joined his current Club, West Bromwich Albion, in 2002. He was a fringe member of the side under Gary Megson, going on loan to Bradford City in 2004, but became an integral part of the team that escaped relegation from the Premiership under Bryan Robson in 2005 - winning the West Brom 'Player of the Year' award in that season. Robson left after relegation to the Championship the following season and was replaced by current West Brom manager Tony Mowbray.

In 2006, Wallwork has an eventful loan spell with Barnsley as arranged by then Tykes boss Andy Ritchie, who was dismissed from Oakwell around two days before Wallwork arrived! He officially stayed with the Championship side until mid-January, but only played twice for the Club due to an incident in a Manchester nightclub in early December when he was stabbed 7 times.

Ronnie is now fully fit and the former England under-20 international is well known for his all-action approach in midfield. He has definite quality on the ball, but his work-rate is always the most impressive aspect of his game and the 30-year old will add some welcome experience to the Town engine room.

For Andy Ritchie's comments about Wallwork, click HERE.