Birmingham City goalkeeper John Ruddy has announced he will be leaving St Andrew’s at the end of his contract amidst reports linking him with a move to Charlton Athletic.
Posting on his Instagram page Ruddy said, “Thank you to all of you bluenoses that made me and my family feel so welcome at your wonderful club over the last 2 years.”
It didn’t end as any of us wanted to but I hope the one thing that you can say about me was I gave everything every time I pulled the shirt on. Sometimes it was enough and other times it wasn’t to be but it was a genuine privilege to play for your club.”
Cambridge United academy graduate Ruddy made 89 appearances overall during his time in the Midlands and kept 26 clean sheets, becoming the first England-capped player since Carl Jenkinson to play for the club when he joined in 2022.
Prior to his spell at Birmingham, Ruddy had a spell at Everton where he made a single appearance amidst a range of loans. On a permanent basis, the shot-stopper spent seven years at Norwich City before a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017.
With the signing of Ryan Allsop from Hull City, Ruddy would have had to compete with the new man for the spot in between the sticks so may be looking for more guaranteed minutes.
Should Ruddy sign at The Valley, he would be the second keeper to join the club this summer following Will Mannion’s move from Cambridge. However owing to his experience and ability to play in higher divisions, the 37-year-old would likely assume the role of first-choice keeper.
Charlton would, however, be facing competition from Premier League side Newcastle United for Ruddy’s signature. That being said, the player would likely only be a backup on Tyneside, so a move to South London with more game time may be more appealing.
If a move gets over the line, it will only strengthen the view that Charlton will be a force towards the top of the table this season following a disappointing last campaign where they finished 16th. Further to this, acquiring a player from a direct rival will prove a huge boost in the strength of their recruitment, with manager Nathan Jones seemingly able to attract the sort of player needed to make the step up from the third tier.
Writer’s View
This is news that had been coming, but its confirmation is great news nonetheless for Charlton. Birmingham have decided to invest as they seek promotion back to the Championship with Ryan Allsop’s signing but Ruddy clearly wants a number one spot so has decided to seek a move.
Charlton seem like the perfect club for him; a League One side who will be rivalling Birmingham but need some Championship experience to make the step up. Ruddy provides just that.
Rhys Evitts is a freelance journalist who graduated from the University of Lincoln with a degree in Journalism in 2024. Rhys has contributed to the Real EFL since finishing university in June 2024 and also hosts The Real EFL Podcast, and specialises in the Championship and League One.
