Ex-Birmingham City and Wolves star available on free transfer after end of season retained list call

A one-time England international, who represented both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City is now on the lookout for a new club after being released from Premier League outfit Newcastle United.

Experienced goalkeeper John Ruddy signed for the Magpies last summer on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Birmingham City.

He signed a one-year-contract with the St James’ Park club and was brought in by Eddie Howe to add experience to the club’s existing goalkeeping cohort which already featured the likes of Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos and Mark Gillespie along with 20-year-old Max Thompson, who was loaned out to Chesterfield in League Two.

"It was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. It's a huge, huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is going to be very pleasing and very exciting,” said Ruddy at the time of his transfer.

Howe added at the time: "I'm pleased to welcome John to Newcastle United. He has a huge amount of experience and adds a level of support and competition that we need. As well as his abilities on the pitch, he has a strong mentality and he is a leader, which will only benefit the group. I'm looking forward to him joining us as we prepare for the season ahead."

John Ruddy set to leave Newcastle United

Former Blues and Old Gold shot-stopper John Ruddy failed to make a single first team appearance for the Magpies throughout his stay, with his only taste of first team football coming in a 4-0 pre-season win over Girona.

He made the bench on eight occasions in the league and three times in cup competitions as he played a peripheral role in helping the club achieve their first piece of domestic silverware in 70 years. However, the 38-year-old is expected to depart on a free transfer from St. James’ Park later this month when his contract officially comes to an end.

A club statement explained: “Callum Wilson and John Ruddy are set to be out of contract at the end of June, however the club has opened discussions with both players about their futures and new contracts could still be agreed.”

The likelihood of Ruddy remaining at St. James’ Park appears low despite the statement, with reports claiming that the Magpies will need to sign homegrown players to comply with UEFA rules ahead of the Champions League. Tim Krul and Fraser Forster are thought to be potential free agents the club could target.

How did John Ruddy fare at Wolves and Birmingham?

John Ruddy racked up 72 appearances for Wolves and was a near everpresent in Nuno Espirito Santos first year as the Old Gold stormed to the Championship title in fine fashion. Between 2018 and 2022, he largely acted as second choice and made just five top-flight appearances as Wolves adjusted excellently well to the demands of the Premier League.

After leaving Wolves, he joined Birmingham on a free transfer and was a near ever present for two seasons with 89 appearances across all competitions. In his first term, he helped the Blues to a 17th place finish in a difficult year where the club flirted with relegation. However, in his second season despite the club’s strong start, he was in between the posts to witness relegation to League One as the likes of John Eustace, Wayne Rooney, Tony Mowbray and Gary Rowett all had stints in the dugout.

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