Birmingham City Veteran Targeted By League One Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic are keen to add John Ruddy to their squad this summer from fellow League One side Birmingham City and have opened talks with the 37-year-old veteran. 

The experienced goalkeeper’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, which will allow him to move for free. The recently relegated Championship side have opted to offer Ruddy an extension to his deal, however he has yet to sign a new contract which has alerted Nathan Jones’ side to his availability.

Charlton are keen to add to their goalkeeping department, having already secured the signing of Will Mannion from Cambridge United and seeing former Swindon Town man Lewis Ward depart.

According to Football Insider, Ruddy has begun preliminary talks with Nathan Jones’ side ahead of his contract expiry.

The Addicks currently boast Harry Isted and Ashley Maynard-Brewer in their squad and a move for Ruddy could indicate a departure for one of the two this season.

What can Ruddy add to Charlton?

The 37-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having made his professional debut for Cambridge United in the 2003/04 season.

Since then he has gone on to play for Everton, Walsall, Rushden and Diamonds, Chester City, Stockport County, Wrexham, Bristol City, Crewe Alexandra, Motherwell, Norwich City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City.

He also has a singular England cap from a second half appearance in a friendly against Italy in 2012.

He has over 500 league appearances in his career with over 120 Premier League and 250 Championship appearances keeping 166 league clean sheets to date.

Despite his age he played a key role in the Championship as Birmingham City were relegated to the third tier last season. Ruddy made 44 appearances, keeping 11 clean sheets in the league.

The Nathan Jones revolution?

Nathan Jones is seemingly not keen to settle for another season of mediocracy in the third tier and has made bold claims regarding his willingness to recruit players who will not only do well in League One, but also be ready for a season in the Championship.

They have already added Mannion and Luke Berry and are likely to add Alex Mitchell to their ranks following an impressive loan spell at Lincoln City which saw him play a key role in one of the league’s best defences.