John Ruddy explains Newcastle United job description after leaving Birmingham City

John Ruddy says a move to mega-rich Newcastle United was too good to turn down. The former Birmingham City goalkeeper has made the move to Tyneside to join the Premier League side on a one-year contract.

Ruddy joins a stacked goalkeeping department at St James’ Park with number one Nick Pope already supported by Slovakia international Martin Dubravka and Greece’s Odysseas Vlachodimos. The 37-year-old is set to play the role of third choice if Dubravka, as expected, departs this summer and explained how Newcastle sold the move to him.

He said: “Newcastle were in the market for an experienced goalkeeper to come and help with what I would call setting standards and cultures on a daily basis, making sure training is at a good tempo and stuff. They looked around the market and I fit the bill.

“I was coming to the end of my contract at Birmingham and it was something I couldn’t turn down. It’s a huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is very exciting.

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“I’ve been a professional for 20 years, I started at the bottom of the ladder and worked my way up, so I’d like to think I can lean on those experiences. First of all, I want to make sure I’m trying to improve on a daily basis and that will in turn help others to drive standards as well. The goalkeeping department is already very strong so I want to come in and try and make that better.”

Ruddy was offered a new deal by Blues but the goalkeeper confirmed his exit last week. Blues have since signed Ryan Allsop and Bailey Peacock-Farrell to transform their own goalkeeping department.