'They've told me what they expect' - John Ruddy joins Wolves' promotion fight
Returning promotion hero has his say on re-signing for Wolves.
John Ruddy is back at Molineux aiming to replicate Wolves’ promotion success of 2017/18.
The 39-year-old was a key part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s Championship title winners eight years ago - and returns to a Wolves side reeling from Premier League relegation.
He is expected to be third choice behind Jose Sa and fellow new arrival Joao Virginia, but hopes to draw on previous good memories from the second tier.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to get out of the Championship three times, winning the league with Wolves, play-offs with Norwich and finishing second with Norwich,” he said. “I’ve got experience, but I’ve also got the experience of how tough it can be as well.
“Although we’ve got a really good, talented group of players, to understand the consistency needed and required in the Championship is something that hopefully I’ll be able to get across to everybody.
“The season has started really well, really positive, and once you continue that momentum, and you go game after game, Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, winning becomes a real good habit to have and we're determined to maintain that.”
Reflecting specifically on 2017/18, he added: “It’s one of the best seasons I’ve had in football. From start to finish, it was amazing. A fantastic group of people, first and foremost, and then you couple in the exceptional talents we had as well. It made it through in a very enjoyable season, on and off the pitch, which is a big part of the reason why I hold the club so dear to my heart as well.
“I don't know how long I’ve got left as an active player. I’ve dragged it out for quite some time already, some people would say! But for me, it’s about coming in and having an impact in a positive way, which will ultimately aim to finish in promotion. That’s the goal from myself, from everyone else within the club.
“That has to be the goal, and that’s something we’re going to fight for and I’ll help in any way that’s needed.”
Ruddy is under no illusion as to what his role will be at the club, having replaced dressing room leader Dan Bentley, who left for Coventry City last week.
But he is happy to do whatever it takes to return Wolves to the top flight: “They’ve told me what they expect from me and I’m more than happy to be here and play whatever role I need to, whether that's on the pitch or off the pitch or in and around the group.”