Ruddy deal for Well

24 July 2009 18:45
Motherwell have signed Everton goalkeeper John Ruddy on loan with the option of a permanent switch. The 22-year-old has signed on at Fir Park until January 2010 and will compete with Michael Fraser for the number one jersey. Ruddy joins in time to be registered for Well's Europa League qualifier against Steaua Bucharest. Motherwell boss Jim Gannon knows Ruddy well having twice signed him on loan for Stockport. The 6ft 4in shot-stopper has made only one substitute appearance for Everton since joining in a ¦pound;250,000 deal from Cambridge United in 2005. The former England under-19 international has also had loan spells at Rushden & Diamonds, Chester, Wrexham, Bristol City and Crewe. Completing the signing before Friday night's European deadline means Gannon can add one wild card player to his squad before the first leg of the third qualifying round in Romania next Thursday.

Source: Eurosport