Player Profile

Goalkeeper Robert "Doug" Rudham was on tour with the South African national team when he attracted Liverpool's interest. He had turned down a professional contract offer from first division Chelsea two years previously. He signed for the Reds at a time when Liverpool didn't seem to have a regular first-choice 'keeper. Rudham shared duties with Dave Underwood and Charlie Ashcroft during the 1954/55 season and even managed to keep his place after conceding nine goals at Birmingham in December! Rudham played in the first 17 League matches of the next season but lost his place to Underwood after conceding four goals at Leeds in November. “Dave has been doing so well in the reserves that his form simply cannot be ignored," said Liverpool boss Don Welsh. “It is up to Rudham to fight his way back.” When Underwood let in three at Fulham in April, Rudham was brought back for the final four games of the season. However, Tommy Younger was brought in from Hibernian during the close season and Rudham made only six appearances in the next three years.

When Younger moved on to Stoke in the 1959/60 season, Rudham was kept out by new signing Bert Slater but regained his place after three League matches and played in the next 14, bringing his total of appearances in the Football League to 63. His last game came in a 4-2 defeat at Lincoln, after which Slater won his place back as Bill Shankly was taking over the reins at the club. Rudham returned to his native Johannesburg in May 1960, playing local football for three years with Johannesburg Ramblers. He died in August 1991 after a long illness.