.... with the announcement that John Ruddy resumes full training on Thursday http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11709/8590894/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Great news, really great. Bunn has proved his capability, but Ruddy is simply a cut above. I'm confident that with Ruddy in goal and his command of the defence/shot-stopping ability we could go down to one DM more comfortably. For all Bunn's quality, I can't help feeling that the two DMs are played to stop other teams shooting at all, whereas Ruddy's size lessens the threat from range.
Is it coincidence that our unbeaten 10 game run ended around the time of Ruddy's injury? I wonder if some of our recent defensiveness has been to protect our goal more than we might have needed to with Ruddy there. Just a thought. Bunn is decent enough, but as Canary Rob says above, Ruddy us simply a cut above.
I agree that Ruddy is a cut above (possibly not far off England's #1 before his injury) but hats off to Bunn - I think he's been terrific between the sticks & done himself a lot of favours.
Agree absolutely, when first called upon, Bunny was very nervous with no control of his area, and poor movement for crosses, he has improved enormously, to the point of being an excellent back-up!
And even more 'Good News'. Cloughie has hinted that he might like to sign Chris Martin at the end of his loan spell.
Not sure if that classes as good news for the club or not, Chrissy is out of contract in the summer anyway, so we won't stand to make a penny, and there's very little chance we'd have chosen to renew his contract. But, he clearly has enough talent to cut it at championship level, and hopefully for his sake he'll have the sense to take this chance and try and make the most of it, because I can't see him getting another one if he screws this one up. Also, interesting piece about Korey Smith in one of the red-tops this weekend. He's also out of contract this summer, and hasn't heard whether the club want to take up the option for another season. If not, he seems happy to sign permanently in league 1.
They'll both be on the way. Martin is technically good but not good enough to counteract his physique for our Division. Smith probably isn't technically good enough full stop, he'd do exceptionally well to get a Championship club in the Summer. Shame, I will never forget Smith scoring in his first game (I think) against Wycombe under Lambert and Martin was a part of the "Holy Trinity" that got us out of that dreadful League.
I also think that they will become victims of City's success, but should themselves find success elsewhere. Bunn has done a great job since Ruddy's injury, but it'll be great to have the big man back again.
Glad to hear he's on his way back. It's been too long. It goes beyond ability. Bunn is a decent keeper... But I think Ruddy's presence gives the rest of the team more confidence and therefore we approach games with a different mindset. He's a big advantage to us.
