So, some weeks ago we discussed the Rudd v Ruddy question with JR having frequent nightmares in games, and Declan Rudd was indeed called upon to take over between the sticks. Has anyone seen anything to suggest he was/is not ready for top flight football? I know he has made the odd slight clanger but nothing that got the same attention that JR was managing to do. Can Ruddy ever get back in to the starting line up, unless DR gets injured? (I don't think he will)
I have heard he won't be playing again for us and will likely be sold in Januayr. The person he beat up was the wrong person to beat up (albeit that you should of course never beat anyone up...) Rudd has been fantastic IMO and looks better every game.
I think he seems to grow in confidence every game. Has made some superb saves. Ruddy will struggle to get the place back. He seems to thrive on a run in the team he's looking increasingly assured similar to how Ryan Bennett does. Could use a bit of improvement to his kicking but nothing serious. Definitely not out of place in the PL.
It appears that there has perhaps been an accumulation of things going on in his life (perhaps his home life is a disaster - who knows) that have upset the status quo, and that "fight" a result of further frustration have been dropped from the first XI.
Someone on twitter says the early transfer DM has lined up is a goalkeeper which would indicate JR is on his way!
That would be a bit of a shame for him but could be the best thing for all concerned. I have my doubts that a PL side would take him now with some of his performances this season being so much in the spotlight.
I would be sad to see Ruddy leave, but Declan has shown great patience and loyalty. It's good to see that rewarded with starting games, which in turn have been rewarded with good, solid performances.
What do you mean by that? Who was the guy? Edit: Also, I wanted Rudd in a few games before he got his first chance. Ruddy Worried me, like he did when we first signed him. He then evened out and I felt safe with him, but now I feel the same as when he started here. I think Rudd did brilliant in the cup games, and has been class in the league. I would definitely stick with him. Got to reward these youth players with trusting them.
I'll be honest this "wrong person" doesn't make any sense to me. if he really had attacked someone of influence, would he still be making the bench? He had been dropped anyway so how has he been effected? I'd understand him wanting to leave, he stayed to play football and not warm Chelskis bench. So warming ours will likely not appeal. Bah!
Very true. I think it would be a massive mistake to sell. He is having a bad spell, but he's still quality. I'd rather have him in our top 2, than Rudd and that young ex Blackburn keeper with no Prem experience.
This would also be a concern for me, but the only one. City would have to get another experienced keeper on the books, (ideally one that is not under 6 foot 2 inches aka Mark Bunn)
The problem is we probably have; an unhappy, unmotivated and currently out of form Ruddy currently worth a few million. Other back up and youth that are just not up to this level. Or the transfer market. Could we poach a youngster for similar money to Ruddy ' s sale? And could we trust that youngster if Rudd dropped out of form or fitness? Or could we even pinch someone to be a new better number one? A slap in the face to Rudd but an option worth exploring as a keeper that is exceptional can win you vital points. In the end it will most likely depend on Ruddy's state of mind (and maybe who he punched?) Bah!
Whatever happens in January, we still really need 3 keepers and to maintain competition for the role. If Ruddy is effectively being forced out, that'll hurt the price we can get. I think Rudd has done enough to keep his place, regardless of whether Ruddy's future is at Norwich or not. Whether he can sustain that form remains to be seen, and I'd rather have someone with a touch of experience to step in.