Alice Carey, barmaid at The Witch, said: "Gerry was feeling rough and had a doctor's appointment booked for Friday but he took a turn for the worse and went straight to hospital.
"He is up and talking but they are keeping him in under observation for the next week.
"All the staff have been really good and everyone is doing extra shifts. The regulars are all shocked and I think there will be a collection going round. The place is not the same without him around."
Fans website North Stand Chat has been deluged with messages of support for the terrace hero who graced the Goldstone Ground during the glory years
Gerry Ryan - one of the the few albion players over the years that no one could dislike-always gave 100% and was a joy to watch whether he was having a good game or rare bad game. True Albion legend- get well soon Gerry!