John Ruddy rips out Birmingham City decision makers and predicts Knighthead

John Ruddy wants everyone involved in Birmingham City’s relegation to be held accountable for their blunders.

Blues were relegated to League One for the first time in three decades after disappointing results on the final day of the Championship season. A 1-0 victory over Norwich City propelled the Blues to 50 points, but victories for Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday, and Blackburn ensured they finished 22nd in the Championship.

There are numerous reasons why the Blues will play League One football next season, but Ruddy cited their inability to gather enough points in two away games against Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town before to their last game against Norwich.

“We didn’t do enough leading up to this game in the two games before it,” said Ruddy, who led the Blues in their final three league games. “To only get two points… I believe we are the only side in the league that hasn’t scored against Rotherham. It is in these games that the damage is done.

“Ultimately, the league table does not reflect the end of a season. That is what it boils down to after 46 games.

“I hope everyone is accountable. We absolutely do as players, and I surely do as a person. There was a lot of change, and as I previously stated, some of it was enforced, while others were self-inflicted. I hope that everyone who made such decisions is held accountable and accepts responsibility.

Knighthead made some blunders in their first season as owners, but the Blues are in better hands than they were 12 months ago. Ruddy expects the club to compete for a spot in the Premier League in the near future.

“The owners have got a plan that they are excited about,” he said. “Most of us here won’t be around to see it happen, but the plans are in place, the balls have begun rolling, and I believe this team will be in the Premier League within five years. I don’t think today’s results will change that, but they must have both short-term and long-term aims.”