Birmingham City boss makes John Ruddy statement as West Brom open door for ‘immediate’ transfer

Birmingham City and West Brom managed differing fortunes in their Championship openers, with the former settling for a point and the Baggies suffering defeat.

Since then, Blues have secured progression to the next round of the Carabao Cup with a win over Cheltenham Town, while West Brom suffered their second straight defeat to kick off the season, albeit they had an unfortunate draw, landing Championship opponents Stoke City. The two Midlands clubs are now preparing for more league action, while transfer business will continue behind the scenes.

Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding both clubs.

Ruddy latest

Blues boss John Eustace is expecting John Ruddy to start this weekend despite interest from Luton Town.

“I do, yes (expect him to start),” Eustace said on Tuesday night.

“That wasn’t the reason he wasn’t in the squad. We rested John tonight. Neil (Etheridge) was outstanding. We’ve got young Zach (Jeacock) as well on the bench.

“It’s about using the squad and making everyone feel wanted and special. Last season we showed it was about the squad and that togetherness and this season it will be exactly the same.”

Button to find new club

West brom have decided to cancel the contract of veteran goalkeeper David Button, who is expected to find a club quickly.

Lewis Cox of the Express and Star has tweeted: “Goalkeeper David Button has left Albion. Contract mutually terminated 12 months before it’s expiration. Expected to move on to new club imminently.”

It’s not yet known who Button’s next club will be, but he is said to be in demand despite making just 24 league appearances in three years at The Hawthorns. Button is now 34 years of age, and he is likely to find a job elsewhere in the Championship sooner rather than later.