Talented goalkeeper, John Ruddy came through the ranks with Cambridge United playing over 40 games for the U’s, a string of fantastic performances put him on the radar of many big clubs in the English Premiership, he would have a trial with Manchester United before joining Everton in the summer of 2005.
Ruddy would struggle to break into the first team fold at Goodison Park and found himself loaned out on numerous occasions to the likes of Walsall, Rushden & Diamonds, Chester City, Stockport County, Wrexham, Bristol City, Stockport County and Crewe Alexandra, featuring for no fewer than eight clubs before he had turned 21 years old.
New ‘Well boss Jim Gannon signed him on an initial six month loan deal at the beginning of the 2009/10 season, Gannon was already aware of the young Englishman’s talents as he had him on loan when he was the gaffer at Stockport County. John of course was thrown right into the deep end as Motherwell’s season had started early as they had qualified for the Europa League. John would be instantly installed as first choice keeper replacing Michael Fraser and he would make his debut as the side travelled to face Romania outfit Steaua București, despite getting beat 3-0, John put in a great shift making a great save from a penalty kick amongst many other fine stops throughout.
It was clear early on that John would prove to be a valuable asset for the club as not only did he keep back to back clean sheets against both sides of the Old Firm but an unbelievable triple save against Dundee United at Tannadice where the side managed to grind out a 1-0 win got people to take notice. Naturally when his deal was about to expire the club looked to extend it until the end of the campaign which was agreed.
During the course of the 2009/10 season, Ruddy played in a total of 39 games, keeping 15 clean sheets helping the side clinch another European spot. A personal accolade for John was that he was named the clubs player of the year.
John also featured in the SPL’s highest scoring game when Motherwell came from 6-2 down with 25 minutes remaining to draw 6-6 with Hibernian, but from a goalkeeping perspective it’s a game that both keepers would probably rather forget. Former ‘Well player Graeme Smith was keeping goal for the Hibee’s that night.
His spell at Motherwell wouldn’t go unnoticed as former Motherwell midfielder Paul Lambert who was now managing Norwich City would sign the young starlet, the Canaries were in the Championship but he would help the club gain promotion. John would remain with the side for seven years as they would yo-yo between the English Premiership and Championship.
In May 2012 Ruddy received his first call up for the English national side when manager Roy Hodgson selected him to be part of England’s 2012 European Championship Squad, however in a cruel twist of fate a broken finger would put paid to his chances of going to the tournament. John would eventually win an England cap against Italy later that year.
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Name:
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John Thomas Gordon Ruddy |
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Height:
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6′ 4″ |
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Weight:
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15st 2lbs |
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Date of Birth:
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24th October 1986 |
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Place of Birth:
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St Ives |
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Position:
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Goalkeeper |
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Nationality:
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English |
Football Career:
| Cambridge United | – | 2005 |
| Everton | 2005 | 2010 |
| Walsall (Loan) | 2005 | |
| Rushden & Diamonds (Loan) | 2005 | |
| Chester City (Loan) | 2005 | 2006 |
| Stockport County (Loan) | 2006 | |
| Wrexham (Loan) | 2007 | |
| Bristol City (Loan) | 2007 | |
| Stockport County (Loan) | 2008 | |
| Crewe Alexandra (Loan) | 2009 | |
| Motherwell (Loan) | 2009 | 2010 |
| Norwich City | 2010 | 2017 |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2017 | – |
Well Career:
| Apps | Goals | |
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League:
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34 | 0 |
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Scottish Cup:
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1 | 0 |
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League Cup:
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2 | 0 |
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Other:
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2 | 0 |
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Total:
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39 | 0 |