Birmingham City confirm the exit of one cap England man

John Ruddy has announced his retirement from Birmingham City following a few seasons at St Andrew’s.

Ruddy has been offered new terms with the Blues as the team prepared for life in League One following its relegation from the Championship.

However, the 37-year-old goalie confirmed on social media that he will be taking on a new challenge.

He posted on Instagram, “I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you to everyone of the Bluenoses who have made me and my family feel so welcome at your excellent club over the past two years.

“It didn’t finish the way we wanted it to, but I hope you can say one thing about me: I gave it my all every time I put on the shirt.

“Sometimes it was enough, other times it wasn’t, but it was an honor to play for your club.

“I wish the players, staff, and supporters nothing but success, and as I’ve already stated, I hope the team will achieve its goals and objectives! Good luck, and thank you again.”

Rovers have been connected with the veteran shot stopper as John Eustace seeks to add experience to the squad ahead of the new season.

In April, the Lancashire Telegraph stated that he wasn’t on the club’s radar. However, there has been some interest in Leo Wahlstedt from Scandinavia.

Ruddy played 46 games for Birmingham in all competitions last season, recording 10 clean sheets.

Last week, the Blues signed Hull City goalkeeper Ryan Allsop for an unknown price.

Chris Davies was recently appointed as St Andrew’s manager, with the team aiming to gain promotion back to the second division at the first attempt.

Davies worked as Ange Postecoglou’s assistant at Tottenham last season, when the London club finished fifth in the Premier League and just missed out on Champions League football.

He has worked alongside Brendan Rogers at Liverpool, Celtic, and Leicester, but is now taking on his first management post in the EFL.