John Rudge: Stoke City exit is not the end of the road for me
JOHN Rudge has hinted he will stay in the game when he leaves Stoke City this summer.
The 68-year-old director of football has been told his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season.
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Stoke City's John Rudge has hinted at a continued career in football.
That has left Rudge reflecting on almost 14 years at Stoke ... and looking forward to a new challenge.
Rudge, who was also at Port Vale for 19 years as a coach and then manager, said: "I've enjoyed the privileged position of serving Stoke City for the past 13 years.
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"My present contract expires on June 30, 2013, and the club have informed me they will not be renewing it.
"The last 13 years at Stoke City has been an incredible experience – especially the last five years in the Premier League and the team playing in the FA Cup final.
"Stoke City's progress since Peter Coates bravely bought back the club and reinstated Tony Pulis as manager has been an incredible success story and it has been my honour to be a part of it.
"Having served both clubs in the Potteries area, I have been extremely fortunate to work as a coach, manager and director of football over 33 years, and I thank the fans of both clubs for their support.
"I am unsure of my future after June, but I cannot foresee football not playing a part in it."
Stoke chairman Peter Coates brought Rudge to Stoke in July 1999, six months after he had been axed at Port Vale.
He said: "John has done a tremendous job. He has been a great football man and a great man for North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
"We have benefited from having him with us for what in football terms is a long time. He himself has enjoyed an illustrious time in the game.
"We have a very good relationship, and that won't change. John knows he is always welcome at Stoke City."
Coates added: "We'll have to see where he goes from here, but he's not in his prime yet!"
Comments
by oliver3742
Tuesday, January 01 2013, 6:28PM
“Can someone explain to me why JR has never received an MBE when many lesser recipients have one?
Vale and Stoke fans alike should start a petition for him to get one. It's the very least the fans can do to show their appreciation for what he has done.”
by jpj_58
Friday, December 21 2012, 8:00AM
“Absolutely spot on Jswords ant others
and I recall after his leaving Port Vale a certain
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Every Port Vale supporter should get down
on their knees and thank The Lord for John Rudge."
Praise indeed from the most successful British Manager”
by Stars-stripes
Thursday, December 20 2012, 6:03PM
“Best wishes for the future”
by jswords
Thursday, December 20 2012, 1:11PM
“John Rudge would be welcome back at Port Vale in some capacity.
His achievements as Port Vale Mangager rivalled those of Tony
Waddington at Stoke City, albeit at a lower division.
Producing good entertaining football and excellent wheeler/dealing
skills with limited funds.
A well-respected man in both sides of the City and a well respected
Manager around the Country.
Good luck John and I hope to see you around Vale Park on Matchdays”
by stokeandvale
Thursday, December 20 2012, 1:04PM
“"HE IS BEHIND YOU, MICKEY"”
by BobThorn
Thursday, December 20 2012, 10:56AM
“Of course I could say Pulis out, but I quite like his style of rugby”
by BobThorn
Thursday, December 20 2012, 10:54AM
“Mr Rudge, you're a God in my eyes. Played a blinder to help two local clubs and if you don't think you're done yet then I say keep going.”
by PhilChelt
Thursday, December 20 2012, 9:05AM
“Paul Wildes & Norman Smurthwaite may want to have a chat ;-)”