TYREECE Ruddock wants Worcester City to be his springboard back to the professional ranks after being told he had been “unlucky” to get released by Walsall. 

The Birmingham-based winger or forward earned a scholarship with the Saddlers in September 2017 following three years in the youth set-up at City. 

READ MORE | Hot prospect Ruddock signs Walsall scholarship 

Now 18, the ex-West Bromwich Albion rookie was released over the summer but he remains undeterred in his quest to make his living from game and believes going back to a club he knows will give him the best chance. 

“I would say it was a close call, I had a good season and the club said I had been unlucky not to get a professional deal,” said Ruddock. 

“The manager going and position the club is in, being relegated from League One, played a big part in the decision.

“They said I have the ability to be a professional but that this was not the right path now. 

“It is my aim to get back into the full-time game, I am going to work hard to get noticed. 

“I know the coaches, management and players at Worcester, I am familiar with the club and feel comfortable coming back.

“I was happy with my two years at Walsall. I improved a lot on and off the pitch, it gave me a great experience and allowed me to train full-time in a professional environment.

“Of course I am gutted not to get the professional deal but it is not over, I still have time to make it.”

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Ruddock featured twice from the bench for City’s first team at the start of the 2017-18 season prior to his Walsall switch and will be back among the senior set up this time hoping to make an impact.  

“I can play on either wing or up front, my aim is to help the club progress and contribute to winning the league,” he added. 

“There is a good set of lads at Worcester. Most of them have experience of being in a professional environment or have played at a good level of semi-pro football.

“It is a good standard and that will help me.”

Manager Ashley Vincent said: "Having seen Tyreece play I think he will bring with him a better experience following his two-year stint at Walsall.

"He has grown up and is absolutely rapid which will bode well for us when getting in behind teams this season.

"Tyreece always played out wide when with the youth team but he can now also play up front so gives us another option in two areas of the pitch".

City begin pre-season action with a trip to Bewdley Town tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm). 

Two last-ditch goals from Dave Reynolds turned the tide as City fought back from behind to win the same fixture 2-1 ahead of last season.

READ MORE | Match action - Bewdley 1 City 2