Rob Ruddy has announced he has retired from football, after making his last appearance as a Robin at Ely City.
Ruddy, who navigated his way through step 4 and 5 of non league football, making over 500 appearances for the likes of Histon, Soham, Newmarket, Godmanchester, Mildenhall and Ely in his time - after starting senior football at Over Sports.
Rob was immense in last years play off chase for the Robins, his experience at the back contributing to one of the leagues tightest back lines.
City Manager Guy Habbin said;
“Rudds experience was pivotal in some of our biggest successes last season. We are glad that his final season in non league football was one that he has been able to enjoy.”
“It goes without saying Rob will always be welcome at the Demcom and no doubt he will be down to see the lads at some point.”
Rob caught up with us and summed up his career as well as his decison;
“Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky with the career I’ve had. To have played for Over Sports, Soham, Mildenhall, Histon, Newmarket and Godmanchester, Ely and to have won Step 5 twice, is something I’ll always be proud of. I’ve shared changing rooms with some brilliant lads, played under great managers and made friendships that will last a lifetime.”
“If I’m honest, I probably could’ve carried on for another season physically. My body felt good. But as you get older, other things become more important. It’s easy to roll out the old cliché about spending more time with the family, but it’s true. Football, whatever level you play at, is a huge commitment. My wife and my family mean everything to me, and I just don’t feel I can give football the 100% it deserves anymore. Anyone who’s played with or against me knows I’m an all-or-nothing kind of bloke. If I can’t give it that - it’s time.”
“A few people thought I’d retired after fracturing my skull at Histon. The truth is I just needed time for it to heal naturally. Surgery was an option, but it wasn’t one I wanted. Once I got the all-clear, I still had that itch to play. I was genuinely surprised by some of the offers I received, but after speaking to Guy and Rich, a few things stood out straight away - ambition, a brilliant changing room and a proper family-oriented club. They sold me the project, and the rest is history.”
“I never planned for last season to be my final one. We fell just short, but I honestly feel we gave it a proper go, and personally I left everything out there.”
“Ely is a fantastic football club. There are so many people behind the scenes who don’t always get the credit they deserve. It’s full of ambitious, hardworking people who genuinely care and are pushing the club in the right direction. I’ve loved being part of it all, not just the football. The MediaTeam have been brilliant with everything off the pitch from match day to social media side of things, and it was great to link back up with CJ after all these years, having played under him at Soham U18s.”
“Finally, thank you to every teammate, manager, volunteer, supporter… and even the officials. You all play your part in making non-league football what it is.”
“I wish Guy, Rich, everyone at Ely and all the supporters the very best for next season. I’ll be down at the Demcom, this time as a fan.”
UTR - Once A Robin, - Ruddy x