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Latics snap up Birmingham winger De Ridder

01/07/2008

Wigan Athletic have signed Dutch midfielder Daniel de Ridder on a free transfer following his release by Birmingham City.

The former under-21 international was not offered a new contract at St Andrews following the club's relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.

And Latics manager Steve Bruce has moved quickly to sign the player - who he originally brought to England while manager of Blues last year.

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

"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."

De Ridder himself said he was excited about the move.

"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," he explained.

Bruce also said he expects further new arrivals at the JJB Stadium in the near future.

"It's clear we need to bring one or two new faces this summer and we are currently chasing several targets," he added.

"Watch this space."