John Ruddy: The one that got away

Michael Kenrick , 24 November, 18comments | Jump to most recent

David Moyes believes John Ruddy would be lining up for Everton today — instead of against them — but for the form of Tim Howard. The Norwich keeper spent five years with Everton after being plucked from Cambridge United by Everton boss Moyes in 2005.

But he played just 80 minutes of top-flight football for the Toffees, coming on in place of Iain Turner, sent off inside 10 minutes against Blackburn in 2006, spending most of his time out on loan — Ruddy made NINE loan moves during his Everton career before joining Norwich full-time in July 2010.

He has not looked back since joining the Canaries, with his form attracting the attention of England manager Roy Hodgson. And the keeper returns to Goodison Park on the back of three clean sheets.

Moyes said: “I'm a little surprised at how he has developed. But it was difficult with John.

“We took him from Cambridge United and sometimes with young keepers they can be very eager to play.

“But it was always going to be difficult for him to get games in front of Tim Howard. He's done great.

“You rarely put young keepers in the team and when he went to Norwich it looked like a chance for him. He hasn't half taken it. He's in and around the England squad, so good luck to him.”

Quotes or other material sourced from Daily Star

Reader Comments (18)

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Tom Dodds
1 Posted 24/11/2012 at 06:06:19

Yeah, nothing to do with the club having no money to spare for his or anyone else's wages in the reserves or youth, like.

Paul Ellam
2 Posted 24/11/2012 at 07:44:37

C'est la vie, eh?

Peter Warren
3 Posted 24/11/2012 at 08:14:09

Solid keeper.

Anto Byrne
4 Posted 24/11/2012 at 09:20:43

Hope the lad plays for England and then will end up at Spurs or Arsenal.

I've just read that Chelsea want special dispensation to bring back Drogba before the January window. Not sure how that works given we were a few minutes past the deadline for Vadis? One to watch I'm sure.

Does the Spanish Waiter now with Chelsea command any respect in the Premier League from rival managers? I'm hoping City will put them to the sword.

Terry Myers
5 Posted 24/11/2012 at 14:27:47

Just makes you think what Chris Woods does all day.

Matt Traynor
6 Posted 24/11/2012 at 14:45:23

Anto that request was made on Thursday and knocked back on Friday.

Lol McNally
7 Posted 24/11/2012 at 20:20:04

Terry, I think Chris Woods is taking the piss. Tim Howard has gone backwards for me. You will see Woods with his ear piece in on match days — not got a clue who the fuck he is talking to...

Noel Early
8 Posted 25/11/2012 at 08:49:48

Only for the form of Tim Howard, did I miss something? The main area we need to improve in my opinion.

Tom Dodds
9 Posted 24/11/2012 at 06:06:19

Yeah... nothing to do with the club having no money to spare for his or anyone else's wages in the reserves or youth, like.

Steve Edwards
10 Posted 25/11/2012 at 13:12:23

Does Moyes really think Howard is that good? Mr average at best and he's not even that now. Gutted that we lost Ruddy and said so a few weeks back on here. The usual bloons on here shot me down in flames. Wonder if they think he's crap after yesterday's performance, can't believe we let him get away.

Ray Roche
11 Posted 25/11/2012 at 13:57:19

There is no way that Ruddy would have been half the keeper he is now if he hadn't have left and got plenty of opportunity elsewhere.

Howard may not be playing the best football of his life but he did a good job when Ruddy was here which is why Ruddy never got the chance. Remember, he was second to Turner who didn't set the world on fire. Still, it's an opportunity to batter Moyes, eh? (And don't think I'm just a Moyes apologist.)

Ian Bennett
12 Posted 25/11/2012 at 14:31:06

From what I've seen, I'd have Ruddy back. I can't see him staying at Norwich long.

John Crawley
13 Posted 25/11/2012 at 19:11:05

Ray - He was second choice to Turner! Exactly what does that say about Moyes's judgement? Every time I saw Turner play he simply looked like a bag of nerves. Contrast that to Ruddy. I was very surprised at the time that Turner was given a couple of chances and Ruddy wasn't and nothing since then has made me change my mind.

Tim Howard has always been a good shot-stopper inside the box but he's always had problems dealing with long range shots and crosses. That situation hasn't changed in his time at Everton. He's a decent keeper and he seems like a top bloke but he's not really good enough.

Ruddy had the potential to be better than Howard but Moyes isn't a man to take a chance on a promising young player when he has a steady but limited senior pro to pick.

Col Noon
14 Posted 25/11/2012 at 20:13:51

Howard is done. He now costs us more points than he saves us and is glued to his line more than ever. Shay Given is sitting on the Villa bench. I know who I would rather have.

Dennis Stevens
15 Posted 25/11/2012 at 21:42:41

We had Ruddy for 5 years & when he leaves & gets into the England squad Moyes is "... a little surprised at how he has developed ..." — perhaps he should raise the issue with Chris Woods!

Ian Bennett
16 Posted 25/11/2012 at 22:00:25

Dennis — if you want a laugh, Liverpool are after Tom Ince for around £10m. After letting him leave on a free 14 months ago.

Ray Roche
17 Posted 25/11/2012 at 22:39:00

John Crawley @200

John, I think Turner only made 4 appearances so it would be difficult to form an opinion on him or Ruddy. Imagine the stick on here if Moyes had put an untried Ruddy in for any length of time and he had been really crap. And it would have stuffed Ruddy's confidence.

Turner took loads of stick for dropping a shot and allowing Man Utd to score and get back into a game which they went on to win. Still, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Steve Edwards
18 Posted 26/11/2012 at 00:26:49

I honestly feel that Howard is one of the bottom ten keepers in the league. He has no presence in goal. The problem for the team is that we have had Coleman, Heitinga and Howard at the back. These three are the reason we have been leaking goals. We think we have cracked it with player, how good was Heitinga last season, this season? Lack of height in defence, lack of pace and a keeper who does not inspire you with confidence. Forth place... you're having a laugh.

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