Farewell to Everton duo

John Ruddy
By grabar
May 14 2010

After serving us well throughout the season we have to accept we have seen the last of our Everton loan duo, John Ruddy and Lukas Jutkiewicz, after the game at Ibrox last Sunday.

John Ruddy was the first to sign up in mid July after Jim Gannon had a look at Michael Fraser in a couple of games and moved quickly to bring the big man North from Everton.

He impressed immediately with his shot stopping ability and his command of his penalty area.

His impressive feat of 15 clean sheets in the SPL is one for him to remember and made him the leading keeper in the League, but surprisingly he never won a Young Player of the Month in the season. Maybe the curse of being a keeper....

His best save of the season for me was a triple save early in the season in a 1-0 win at Tannadice. I was convinced he was beaten each time but somehow he got up and managed to keep another clean sheet and secure three points.

Even last Sunday he was professional to the end and put in an impressive performance at Ibrox in his last game for the club in the 3-3 draw.

He was joined by his Everton team mate not long after he had signed, but there was not the same immediate impact when Jutkiewicz first appeared. Many wondered why this cumbersome youngster had been brought north.

But once he got his first goal against Falkirk he looked a different player and a much sharper one. He definitely provided us with a bit of quality up front that much of our oposition couln't match.

His best goal of the season must be the equaliser against Hibs in the 6-6 draw, not only for the spectacular finish but also for the dramatic timing and significance of the goal.

Like Ruddy he was professional to the end, and almost played the last third of the season on one leg, this was how important he was to our push into the top six.

Well fans will remember the duo fondly and will no doubt follow their subsequent career with interest.