Matt Hobbs has said Wolves’ latest signing Dan Bentley is similar to former Molineux goalkeeper John Ruddy.
Wolves announced the signing of the Englishman from Bristol City yesterday.
He has joined on a two-and-a-half-year contract, with the club having the option of a further two years.
Bentley comes in, with Matija Sarkic heading out on loan to Stoke City.
Bentley is Wolves’ fifth addition of the January transfer window, after Matheus Cunha, Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Craig Dawson.
Julen Lopetegui has been backed well this month, and the squad is now starting to take shape really nicely.
It is notable that most of these new signings are in and around the age of 30.
Obviously Wolves lost several experienced players last summer, and there appears to have been a conscious effort made to replace these individuals.
The signing of Bentley is potentially quite an important one.
At the moment, Jose Sa is struggling for Wolves. Some have suggested his issues have been down to not having a strong enough push.
Last season, he had John Ruddy as his number two. And the veteran was a very appreciated member of the squad.
He was one of the leaders, but sporting director Hobbs has suggested Bentley is not so dissimilar to Ruddy.
He said (Wolves official): “Dan is a vastly experienced goalkeeper from the Championship and was Bristol City’s captain, so is another big personality, a leader coming into the group. He’s at a good age of 29 – a goalkeeper’s prime for the next few years – so it made sense from all angles, especially for a nominal fee.
“If you look at the role John Ruddy played at this football club, I think the fact Dan is a similar sort of personality will be really important for the club.
“The captaincy at Bristol City is important because they play with a lot of young players, so the leader has to be strong and brave. You can never have enough leaders in the squad.”
John Ruddy was a major presence for Wolves and Dan Bentley signing is a positive move
Ruddy wanted to stay at Wolves, and former manager Bruno Lage also wanted to keep him.
The veteran said in an interview with Talking Wolves that the club offered him a contract but then actually rescinded it. He left as a free agent, and joined Birmingham City.
Ruddy did not play so much for Wolves after his first season at Molineux. But by many accounts, he was a big personality and top character in the dressing room during his time at the club.
It could well be that Sa’s form this season has been loosely linked to Ruddy leaving.
Hobbs’ comments about new signing Bentley are encouraging though.
To liken him to Ruddy suggests he’s someone with leadership qualities, and that’s just what the dressing room needs.