Cesar Peixoto has spoken regularly about changing the mindset of the group after a tough season last year, and he believes the signing of John Ruddy will aid that further.
The head coach has welcomed the former Wolves goalkeeper back to the club, knowing he has the desired experience and characteristics to help build the right culture off the pitch, which he believes will in help improve matters on it.
Ruddy showed his worth at Newcastle United, being part of a successful two-year period in the north east, and now back in familiar surroundings, he has another crucial role to play, according to his new head coach Peixoto.
On bringing in crucial experience
“It's important having a lot of experience in the team, he knows the club well, he's home at the club, so will be an important guy on the pitch, but also outside, in the dressing room. It's important to build a strong group, a strong spirit, and I think John can add this quality, and we want to bring these characteristics to the club.
“I spoke a lot about changing the mentality of the team, and Ruddy is the type of guy who can improve us in this moment because he is a great professional. It's important to bring new faces, new personalities, and having one person with a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge about the club and the fans, during the week and on a weekend, is important for the team.”
On winning the Championship with Wolves
“He is a player who has played a lot of games, who got to the Premier League with Wolves, who has a lot of knowledge about the Championship, about the English football. Also, he has a strong character, a strong personality in a positive way, and that is important – the more of these personalities we have, the better is it for the team, to create a good environment in the club.”
On having three senior goalkeepers
“It's a long season, a very tough, and we don't know what's going to happen – anything can happen like an injury, so we have to have options in the goalkeeper department. A key point to the team is a good goalkeeper. If an injury happens, you need options to stay at a good level in the same way.
“They have to work all together to stay at a high level, and it’s important you know your task in the group. It’s important they have a good environment between them because all of them were for the team, for the club.”
