Sheffield Wednesday: New signing Jake Kean fires parting shot at Norwich City

Jake Kean has criticised Wednesday's Championship rivals Norwich City, accusing them of signing him 'under false pretenses'.
Jake KeanJake Kean
Jake Kean

The giant shot-stopper joined the Canaries last summer but failed to make a single appearance, with boss Alex Neil selecting John Ruddy and Declan Rudd ahead of him.

His lack of opportunities to shine prompted him to go on loan to Colchester United and Swindon Town last season.

Kean, snapped up by the Owls on a free transfer on Monday, told The Star: “I went to Norwich but kind of under false pretenses. I thought I was in with more of a shot of playing than I was.

“It was clear from a couple of days of being there that John [Ruddy] was the number one and I wasn’t going to get a fair crack at it. It’s why I took the opportunity to go out on loan and get games.

“I don’t think I was given the chance to show what I can do at Norwich.

“I never argued with the manager and we didn’t dislike each other but he had his mind made up that John was his number one. Obviously he put Dec [Rudd] in the team for a spell and then he reverted back to John.”

Having been overlooked by Norwich, Kean hopes to re-launch his career at Hillsborough after signing a two-year contract.

He said: “It’s a huge move for me coming to Wednesday. It is a step in the right direction for myself and hopefully it is something that will kick-start my career.”

Kean could be given his first Owls run-out in their prestigious home friendly with Portuguese champions Benfica tonight. Keiren Westwood has resumed first-team training but this warm-up match may come too soon for him.