Bury manager David Flitcroft says that goalkeeper Paddy Kenny is already a force in the dressing room and expects his presence to improve the form of Jack Ruddy.
The veteran stopper signed for the Shakers on a short-term deal earlier this week ahead of Saturday’s clash with Gillingham as both Daniel Bachmann and Jack Ruddy are away on international duty and Rob Lainton is still sidelined through injury.
Flitcroft has said that Kenny’s arrival has instantly impacted on the team and that he is leading by example in training, which he expects will raise the game of younger members of the squad, particularly Jack Ruddy.
“He is a big influence in the dressing room,” Flitcroft said.
“Jack Ruddy has been conceding quite a few goals in training, so it’s great to see how Jack responded to it and saw how Paddy just shuts it out straight away, but that comes with time.
“It was great to see Paddy go over to him, have a word in his ear to offer some words of wisdom, and some words of ‘I’ve been there as a young keeper so play nice and safe, you can’t do anything about it’.
“That was great to see.”
Kenny is expected to make his first start in his second spell for the club against high-flying Gillingham, as Bury look to consolidate their early season play-off place.
The 37-year-old, whose previous clubs include Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United, returned to Gigg Lane after making over 150 appearances for the Shakers between 1998 and 2002.
Flitcroft explained that Bury were desperate for cover between the sticks, but was impressed by the desire shown by Kenny before signing for the club.
“It was an SOS call really,” Flitcroft said.
“Paddy’s come out of the game and had not been able to find himself a club and obviously with our situation this week, we have absolutely no options available.
“He had five days with us, I needed to see him first hand because as soon as that hunger goes it’s hard to rejuvenate that.
“But he came in, he started making saves and throwing himself at things, it was just fantastic watching him putting himself in those positions.”
Image courtesy of Bury FC, via YouTube, with thanks.
