Luke Ruddick Joins The Pirates as Joint Assistant Manager
Real Bedford are delighted to announce the appointment of Luke Ruddick as Joint Assistant Manager, working alongside Chris Winton as part of Rob Sinclair’s backroom staff.
A highly respected figure within the non-league game, Ruddick arrives with a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career, adding further quality to an ambitious backroom team ahead of the new season.
After leaving Brentford as a young professional, Luke spent the rest of his playing career in non-league football, representing Salisbury City, Bath City, Sutton United, Dunstable Town, Bedfont Sports, Oxford City, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Hanworth Villa. Despite a career heavily affected by injuries, he spent the majority of his playing days competing in the National League and National League South, winning two promotions along the way.
It was during his time in the National League that Luke played alongside manager Rob Sinclair, with the pair forging a strong relationship on and off the pitch. Their shared understanding of the game has remained ever since, and they now reunite in the dugout as they look to lead Real Bedford into the 26/27 season.
Following his retirement from playing, Luke was handed his first opportunity in coaching by Alan Julian, joining Hampton & Richmond Borough as Assistant Coach. He continued in the role under Alan Dowson, spending the last two seasons as Assistant Manager and First Team Coach, helping establish Hampton as one of the National League South’s most competitive sides.
Sinclair said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Luke to the club. I’ve known him since our playing days together and he’s someone I completely trust. He’s a great character, works incredibly hard and has a fantastic understanding of the game.
I’ve wanted to bring Luke in for the last couple of years, so I’m delighted we’ve finally managed to make it happen. He’s a brilliant coach who will bring a lot to the group, and I know he will fit perfectly into the environment we’ve built here. I’m really looking forward to working alongside him again.”
Luke on joining the Pirates: “Leaving Hampton & Richmond Borough has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. It’s honestly been one of the best periods of my life in football.
I’d like to thank everyone connected with the club, the players, staff, supporters, and everyone behind the scenes, for making it such a special place to work. I’m especially grateful to Alan Dowson. Working alongside Dows has been a privilege, and I’ve learned so much from someone I genuinely believe is one of the very best managers in non-league football.
That said, the chance to work with Rob Sinclair again was simply too good to turn down. Having played alongside Rob in the National League, I know first-hand the standards he sets. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen in non-league football. We’ve always shared similar ideas about the game, so to be reunited in the dugout is something I’m really excited about.
From my first conversations with everyone at Real Bedford, I was blown away by the ambition, professionalism, and vision of the club. It’s a project that’s impossible not to be excited by, and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to helping the club continue its journey and doing everything I can to help achieve the goal of Real Bedford reaching the National League.”
Welcome to the Pirates, Luke.
