Newcastle United fans have reacted after the news that John Ruddy has agreed a new contract with the club.
The decision may appear to be a bizarre one at first glance, but looking into it the deal makes complete sense.
Eddie Howe is a big fan of John Ruddy, who joined Newcastle United last summer to set an example in training. It is clear that the 38-year-old has done exactly that, and he has earned a new deal because of it.
Ruddy is not the only shot-stopper to be handed a new deal; it was confirmed that Mark Gillespie is staying at Newcastle until 2026 after he received lots of praise from Howe, despite never making a single Premier League appearance.
It was reported that Ruddy had attracted interest from Norwich City, as the shot-stopper wanted to end his career as a first-team player. However, it looks as if he is more than happy to stay with the Magpies for another year before deciding on his future.
With Ruddy set to stay another year, Newcastle fans have shared their honest opinion on the deal.
Newcastle United fans are fuming about John Ruddy’s new contract
Ruddy was referred to as ‘vital’ by Howe for the example he sets behind the scenes. The 38-year-old is a veteran of the game, having played in the Premier League and the Championship for the majority of his career.
The deal should not really raise any alarm bells, but it comes as Newcastle return to pre-season training with no new major signings. Fans were expecting the likes of James Trafford and Anthony Elanga to be part of it, but that has been anything but the case.
Taking to the social media platform X, Newcastle fans have shared how they really feel about Ruddy’s new deal.
“Got to be taking the p—. We sign Trafford and it leaves us with SIX senior goalkeepers. WHY?!” said one fan, while another added: “Does that mean we’re selling one of our other keepers. Don’t see why we need 6 keepers on the books ffs. What a farce!”
This frustrated Newcastle fan said: “Such an inspiring signing. Can’t wait to have 3 keepers in the match day squad again this year.”
Meanwhile, this Newcastle supporter thinks the deal will have its consequences, saying: “Must mean Trafford deal is off! Expect Wilson and DLC in next and that’s it folks until January.”
Another fan added: “It’s not doing much for the club’s image. Why not offer him a coaching contract instead, surely he’s not expecting to play CL football at 40 years of age? Honestly, I don’t know what the f— NUFC are doing at the moment. Just looks rubbish.”
Finally, this Newcastle fan said: “No Trafford or Elanga, but let’s all get excited, John Ruddy has signed a new deal.”
- READ MORE – Worrying word used to describe Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United transfer despite deal being ‘close’
John Ruddy could end his career at Newcastle United
Fans may not be best pleased with Ruddy’s new deal, but it makes sense when looking into the details of it. At 38, Ruddy has a lot of wisdom that he can pass on to other younger goalkeepers.
Newcastle look set to sign Trafford this summer, despite the deal going quiet. It will likely be the case that Ruddy is a mentor to Trafford when he joins to give the young shot-stopper the opportunity to learn and grow from one of the most experienced keepers in the Premier League.
With Ruddy now in his late 30s, it is clear that he is past his prime and that it is highly unlikely he makes an appearance for Newcastle in the 2025/26 season, so next season could very well be the last of Ruddy’s career.
The goalkeeper has played for the likes of Norwich City, Birmingham and Wolves before coming to Newcastle, and was even capped once with the England national team.
Ruddy has had a great career, but he could soon be hanging up his boots and putting down his gloves for another venture.
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