Although Rovers will always be the No 1 club in his heart, Ryan, 58, now admits to watching Leeds in the early 70s and describes the club as the 'biggest' in Yorkshire.
"If we were not their opponents at Wembley, I would want Leeds to go up this season because their level of support deserves to be at a higher level," said Ryan.
"I have always respected Leeds and, as far as I am concerned, they are the biggest club in Yorkshire. I would love to see Leeds back where they belong, in the Premier League, and hopefully we will get there with them."