John Ruddy

John Ruddy (born October 24, 1986) is an England football (soccer)er. Born in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, and having tried numerous positions at youth level, he eventually settled as a goalkeeper and it was in this position that he made his professional debut in the final game of the season at Leyton Orient F.C. Brisbane Road stadium on the 8 May 2004, noticeable for a clean-sheet and penalty save.

After starting his professional career at Cambridge United F.C], he moved to Everton F.C] in the summer of 2005 for a fee of around GBP 250,000, reportedly rising based on appearances. This was deemed as a big move for the youngster, moving to the newly-qualified European team from relegated Cambridge United, who finished the season some 88 places below in the football league ladder.

Ruddy, nicknamed 'Ice' by teammates (presumably for his cool temperament), was called into the England Under-19 squad in 2005 after being scouted by England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence and has been touted by his manager David Moyes as a future England ‘keeper. For the present time however he will learn his trade behind first choice keeper Tim Howard and the young Scottish keeper Iain Turner.

In September 2005, Ruddy signed for Walsall F.C. on loan, making four appearances in League One before being allowed to return to Everton. Loan spells with Rushden & Diamonds and Chester City F.C. soon followed.

Ruddy made is first team debut for Everton in February 2006, but in a rather bizarre way. Nine minutes into the match against Blackburn Rovers F.C., Iain Turner was sent off for handling outside the area. Since Turner was substituting for injured first-choice and second-choice keepers Nigel Martyn and Richard Wright (footballer), it meant that Ruddy was the only keeper left who could play. Ruddy went on to keep a clean sheet in a hard-fought 1-0 victory, and gained widespread acclaim for his performance.

In September 2006, Ruddy was given another chance to impress on loan. A one-month deal was agreed with Stockport County, which was extended to three months after an impressive performance. Since then he agreed another one month loan with Wrexham F.C. in February 2007 but failed to impress during his time at the Racecourse Ground and the Red Dragons decided against extending the loan beyond the initial month. on April 21 Ruddy completed an emergency one week loan to League One side Bristol City F.C. and helped them move closer to promotion.

His many loan spells mean Ruddy has played for eight clubs before he turns 21.

Professional playing record