Liam Ridgewell insists Birmingham will still be focused on Premier League survival next season.
Blues defender insists staying in top flight is prime concern
Liam Ridgewell insists Birmingham will be focused on Premier League survival next season, despite enjoying a successful campaign last term.
Ridgewell, who previously operated largely as a central defender, has penned a new three-year deal at St Andrews after making an impact during his first season at left-back.
The 25-year-old is hoping Alex McLeish's side can build on the impressive ninth-placed finish they achieved last season after earning promotion to the top flight in 2009.
But he has stressed that staying up will be the Blues' chief concern when the new season gets under way.
"I was pleased to sign on the dotted line and get the contract done and dusted," said Ridgewell.
"The ninth-placed finish came into play (when signing) and I want to be at a successful club and this club is driving on.
"But survival will be the main thing next season.
"After doing so well last season people will be wondering how we are going to do - but our aim is to stay in this league and hopefully push on from that ninth place."
Signings
Ridgewell believes Blues will be lifted by the high-profile captures of goalkeeper Ben Foster from Manchester United and Serbia striker Nikola Zigic, who were both signed for £6million apiece.
"There have been some good signings. Ben is a world class keeper and coming from Manchester United he is a good acquisition for us," he said.
"Filling in Joe's (Hart) boots will be hard for anyone in the world. Ben will come in well and get into the running of things. I think he will be brilliant for us.
"The big man coming in up front (Zigic) gives us something different in that department."
