John Ruddy, who has spent the last two seasons as Birmingham City’s first-choice goalkeeper, has an expiring contract at St Andrew’s this summer, and there is no indication that he will sign a new one.
The 37-year-old has played 86 games for Blues since joining from Wolves in the summer of 2022.
Ruddy’s contract at St Andrew’s expires this summer, and Blackburn Rovers, a team in the Championship, has reportedly expressed interest in signing him. Ruddy earned one cap for England in 2012.
Ruddy joined Blackburn under the management of former Birmingham manager John Eustace, and the Rovers’ manager is eager to get back together with the goalie this summer.
Ruddy will likely be Eustace’s starting goalkeeper if he travels to Ewood Park, so Birmingham will need to move quickly to retain him and make a compelling offer if he decides to stay. Ruddy won’t want to be a bench warmer at St Andrew’s.
Supporter commentary about John Ruddy’s future with Birmingham City
Birmingham City have quite a dilemma with John Ruddy’s future as he is 37-years-old, and ideally the club would want a younger goalkeeper.
However, Ruddy is vastly experienced and would make a great second choice goalkeeper and would be able to pass on his wisdom to younger goalkeepers. However, with the option of starting for Blackburn a real possibility, it may be difficult for Birmingham to keep the England international on these terms.
As has happened in the past, our Birmingham City fan analyst Mike Gibbs thinks the team cannot afford to pay a second-choice goalkeeper high salaries.
“I believe that’s a real tough one with Ruddy,” he remarked.
“If we could, I would like to see a long-term successor in place,” As a first, I believe I would say no, but as a second, I believe I would say yes.
“That would be my response. I believe he’s a more than capable deputy, and he would be terrific if we had a young goalkeeper and someone he could train and nurture.”
“Wages and league standing are the primary determinants of the number two spot.”
We don’t want to be shelling out a ton of cash to have a 38-year-old as our backup. The same thing has happened to well-paid individuals like Neil Etheridge in the past, as well as to Tomas Kuszczak and David Stockdale.
“We must not make that error again.”
Birmingham City should look to freshen up their goalkeeping department this summer
This summer’s contract expirations for Neil Etheridge and John Ruddy present Birmingham City with the ideal chance to rotate goalkeepers.
Birmingham should try to sign two younger goalkeepers, both of whom have resale potential and might bring in money for the team in the future. It is unclear what league Blues will play in next season, which could certainly effect their transfer budget.
Ruddy and Etheridge together are 71 years old, so whilst experience between the sticks is crucial, the club should be striving to reduce the age distribution of that particular area of the squad.
| John Ruddy’s senior career – Transfermarkt | ||
|---|---|---|
| Club | Season(s) | Appearances |
| Cambridge United | 2004-05 | 41 |
| Everton | 2005-10 | 1 |
| Walsall (Loan) | 2005 | 5 |
| Rushden & Diamonds (Loan) | 2005 | 4 |
| Chester City (Loan) | 2005-06 | 4 |
| Stockport County (Loan) | 2006 | 11 |
| Wrexham (Loan) | 2007 | 5 |
| Bristol City (Loan) | 2007 | 1 |
| Stockport County (Loan) | 2008 | 13 |
| Crewe Alexandra (Loan) | 2009 | 19 |
| Motherwell (Loan) | 2009-10 | 39 |
| Norwich City | 2010-17 | 242 |
| Wolves | 2017-22 | 72 |
| Birmingham City | 2022- | 86 |
Although Ruddy has been a valuable member of the team, it would seem best to let him go this summer so Birmingham can assemble a team for the upcoming campaigns.
The club has been in a slump, finishing around the bottom of the Championship table for years. The team needs a revamp, no matter what league they play in next year.
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