Ridgewell commits to Blues

Centre-back expects immediate return to Premier League

Last updated: 22nd July 2008

Ridgewell commits to Blues

Ridgewell: McLeish backing

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Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell insists that he is not looking to leave St Andrews and is prepared for the battle in the Championship.

Blues suffered Premier League relegation last season in Ridgewell's first year at the club following his £2million move from Aston Villa.

And the centre-back has been linked with moves to a number of top-flight clubs, including Blackburn and Middlesbrough, but he is adamant that he sees his future with Birmingham.

"I am here for the long haul, until I'm told by the club otherwise that they have accepted a bid or whatever," Ridgewell told the Birmingham Mail.

"I am ready to go into the Championship but I'm prepared to play in the Championship, go in head first, as I always do to something new, and get back in the Premier League.

Authority

"I've not played at that level before and it's going to be an interesting experience I'm sure."

Ridgewell is also confident that the management style of Alex McLeish, who replaced Steve Bruce in November last year, will help the Blues return to the Premier League.

"He (McLeish) has stamped a lot of his own authority on things," added Ridgewell.

''I think as long as he can get and keep the people he wants then we will have a really good team by the time we play the first game.

"We will be one of the strong favourites to win the league and it will be nice to go out there with that tag.

"I'm committed to helping us bounce straight back up and I'm looking forward to the season to be honest."