Former Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy has joined Premier League side Newcastle United on a one-year deal according to the club’s official website.
The move certainly comes as a surprise given that Ruddy was a part of the Birmingham City side who were relegated to League One last season and he’d be everpresent between the sticks for the Blues. However his signing seems to be one that helps some of the other players at the club, given his vast experience at a senior level.
That is further exemplified through the fact that Ruddy is now 37 and has only been handed a one-year contract. It is highly unlikely that he’ll be anywhere near the starting lineup for the Premier League but we may see him turn out for the Magpies in cup competitions.
Ruddy does have plenty of experience in the top flight already to his name, 122 appearances in fact, the majority of those coming with Norwich City. The goalkeeper would win promotion to the Premier League on two seperate occasions, in the 2011/12 and 2014/15 seasons and will go into the history books as one of the club’s greatest ever goalkeepers.
In a seven-year spell with the East-Anglian club, the now-37-year-old would make just shy of 250 appearances at a senior level and was more than capable at the top level during his prime.
Although he is now very much in the latter stages of his career, Ruddy will still have some use to the club, especially as a well-respected and experienced head in the dressing room
Speaking upon his arrival at St. James’ Park to club media, the ‘keeper said:
“This is a massive club and it’s a massive opportunity, so I’m really excited to get started.
“It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It’s a huge, huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is going to be very pleasing and very exciting.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe added:
“I’m pleased to welcome John to Newcastle United. He has a huge amount of experience and adds a level of support and competition that we need.
“As well as his abilities on the pitch, he has a strong mentality and he is a leader, which will only benefit the group. I’m looking forward to him joining us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Writer’s View
This is perhaps one of the most surprising moves of the transfer window given Ruddy had been relegated with Birmingham to League One but it’s unlikely that we’ll see him play for the first team. With a plethora of experience to call upon it could be deemed a smart acquisition for a single season and Ruddy will aid the progression of others.
Ruddy truly made a name for himself during his time with Norwich, where he’d spend both the majority of, as well as his prime years. He’s still a more than capable ‘keeper despite his age, just don’t expect him to be starting in the top flight for the Magpies…
