Wolverhampton Wanderers have moved swiftly to replace Carl Ikeme by signing John Rudy.
Ikeme, 31, faces an indefinite spell on the side-line after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia on Thursday.
Wolves have since backed the goalie who has spent 14 years with them to come back strongly.
Notwithstanding, that didn’t stop Nuno Espirito Santo’s team from bringing in Rudy to replace the Nigerian.
Rudy, who signed a two-year contract, was snapped on a free from Norwich City.
The Englishman is one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the Football League, having chalked up nearly 400 senior appearances over his career – the majority during his seven-year spell with the Canaries.
Rudy was full of praise for his predecessor Ikeme.
“First and foremost I want to send my best wishes to Carl and his family at this difficult time,” he said.
“As the club have already stated he is going to be backed with all the help and support that he and his family need.
“I know the players that have been here for a very long time with him will be feeling it as well.
“So yes, this is a bitter sweet feeling for me – it is good to be here but the circumstances could have been better.
“The plan would have been for me to come in and here and be competing against Carl.
“Having played against him over a number of years I know what a good goalkeeper he is so it would have been fantastic for the club to have had us competing and bringing out the best in each other.
“Now it is a situation where football takes a back seat for Carl and everyone’s thoughts are with him.”
