Express & Star

Wolves take up one-year option in John Ruddy's deal

Wolves have exercised the option in John Ruddy's contract to keep him at Molineux for another year.

Published
Last updated

The experienced shot-stopper, who has played 60 times over the past few years, is the standout name on the club's retained list.

Youngsters Taylor Perry, Cameron John, Sadou Diallo and Jamie Pardington are also staying.

Jordan Graham's departure is the most notable. Phil Ofosu-Ayeh – who never made a first-team appearance after being blighted by injuries – and youth-teamers Connor Johnson, Callum Thompson, Ming-yang Yang, Jeb Abbey and Todd Parker are also leaving.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: "To the players who are leaving us at this point, I’d like to place on record my thanks for all of their efforts while representing Wolves.

“We wish them the very best of luck in the future.

"I hope they can all achieve great success in the game.”

Ruddy – a well-respected and much-liked figure in the dressing room – impressed majorly in his first season at Wolves, keeping 24 clean sheets as Nuno Espirito Santo's lot lifted the Championship crown.

His game time has been limited since the arrival of Euro 2016-winner Rui Patricio, but he has still caught the eye in the cups, mostly in the run to the FA Cup semi-finals last term.

Of the retained young players, Dudley-born midfielder Perry is the most well-known, having made three senior appearances this campaign.

Centre-half John and midfielder Diallo have made progress on loan at League One clubs Doncaster and Accrington respectively, while keeper Pardington is seen as having a lot of potential.

Winger Graham's exit comes after an injury-hit few years, following an initial exciting burst into the Wolves team.

Ofosu-Ayeh, signed in the summer of 2017, was never seen because of a succession of knocks and none of Johnson, Thompson, Yang, Abbey or Parker played for the first team.