Rovers-linked goalkeeper John Ruddy confirms Birmingham exit

John Ruddy has confirmed his departure from Birmingham City after a couple of seasons at St Andrew’s.

Ruddy had been offered fresh terms with the Blues as the club prepares for life in League One following relegation from the Championship.

However, the 37-year-old goalkeeper revealed on social media he will be moving onto a new challenge.

He wrote on Instagram: "I would just like to say thank you. Thank you to all of you Bluenoses that made me and my family feel so welcome at your wonderful club over the last two years.

"It didn’t end as any of us wanted to but I hope the one thing that you can say about me was I gave everything every time I pulled the shirt on.

“Sometimes it was enough and other times it wasn’t to be, but it was a genuine privilege to play for your club.

"I wish the players, staff and fans nothing but success and as I’ve said previously I believe the club will get to where they want and should be! Good luck and thank you again.”

Rovers have been linked with the veteran shot stopper as John Eustace looks to add experience to the group ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported in April that he was not on the club’s radar. However, there has since been interest in Leo Wahlstedt from Scandinavia.

Ruddy made 46 appearances for Birmingham in all competitions last season, keeping 10 clean sheets.

Last week, the Blues bolstered their goalkeeping department with the addition of Hull City man Ryan Allsop for an undisclosed fee.

Chris Davies was recently named the new boss at St Andrew’s as the club aims to win promotion back to the second tier at the first time of asking.

Davies served as Ange Postecoglou’s assistant at Tottenham last term as the London outfit finished fifth in the Premier League and narrowly missed out on Champions League football.

He also worked alongside Brendan Rogers at Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester but is now entering his first managerial role in the EFL.