Latics seal De Ridder deal

Midfielder signs three-year contract to be reunited with Bruce

Last updated: 1st July 2008

Daniel De Ridder

De Ridder: Happy with move

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Wigan Athletic have snapped up Daniel De Ridder after the midfielder's departure from Birmingham City.

De Ridder had his contract cancelled by Blues on Monday and has now signed a three-year deal with Wigan.

He had been brought to Birmingham by current Latics boss Steve Bruce last summer, but struggled to make an impact at St Andrews.

The Dutchman made just 12 first-team appearances for the club and is now looking forward to playing under Bruce again at the JJB Stadium.

Flattering

"When a manager says he wants you for his team, it is very flattering, especially when it is a big team like Wigan who are now well established in the Premier League," De Ridder told the club's official website.

The former Holland Under 21 international is Wigan's first signing of the summer, but Bruce is hoping De Ridder will not be the last arrival.

Bruce said: "Daniel is an exciting player and I'm convinced he can make an impact at Wigan.

"He has very quick feet and can pull off the unexpected, he's a player with a trick, who can go past defenders and has an eye for a pass.

"He is also versatile enough to play in a number of positions.

"It's clear we need to bring one or two new faces in this summer and we are currently chasing several targets. Watch this space."