Frank Lampard signs son of former England teammate, 18, on free transfer

Coventry City have signed 18-year-old goalkeeper Jack Ruddy on a free transfer.

Ruddy will link up with Coventry‘s under-21 side five weeks after leaving Norwich U18s.

Shutterstock Editorial

getty images

He is the son of former Premier League goalkeeper John Ruddy, who is best known for his time at Norwich. John also represented Wolves and Newcastle in the top flight.

The deal that sees Jack join Coventry was wrapped up last month, however, his mum and wife of John, Laura, confirmed the news on social media on Sunday.

Posting a picture of herself and Jack on the pitch at the CBS Arena, Laura said: “So proud of Jack for signing with Coventry City.

“The last five years haven’t always been easy, but you’ve never stopped working hard or believing in yourself.

“Seeing you smiling and enjoying your football again means everything.”

Mates rates

Jack now calls one of his dad’s former England teammates boss, with John and the Chelsea legend playing together for the Three Lions once.

That came in a 2-1 victory over Italy for the Three Lions in August 2012, which saw John come on for Jack Butland at half time.

Goals from Phil Jagielka and Jermain Defoe secured England a 2-1 win in Bern, Switzerland after Daniele De Rossi headed Italy in front.

This was Ruddy Sr’s only appearance for the England national team with Lampard earning 106 caps.

John is yet to call time on his playing career at 39 years old, although he’s currently without a club having left Newcastle upon the expiration of his contract in June.

Coventry mean business

The Sky Blues, who romped to last season’s Championship title, have been busy in the transfer market as they gear up for their first appearance in the Premier League for 25 years.

Coventry have beaten their transfer record twice so far in the summer window, first paying £15.4million to land defender Aurele Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt in early July.

But this record was eclipsed last week when they wrapped up the signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton in a £22.5m deal.

Elsewhere, Coventry have forked out £20m to sign winger Loum Tchaouna from Burnley while also making midfielder Frank Onyeka’s loan from Brentford a permanent transfer.

Lampard’s men will need to hit the ground running as they face champions Arsenal in the 2026/27 Premier League season opener on Friday August 21.

They travel to Manchester City after their first home game of the season which sees Coventry entertain another of the promoted Championship clubs in Hull City.

Getty