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Arsenal in for De Ridder !!!


Arsenal could make a shock move
for Birmingham midfielder


Media sources claim that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may make a move for Birmingham City's unsettled Daniel de Ridder.

The 24-year-old Dutch midfielder appears unsettled at St Andrews, and while the former Ajax and Celta de Vigo man has struggled to hold down a regular starting role with the Blues, reports are suggesting the Gunners could swoop.

"Everything has altered for me 180 degrees and I am frustrated I am not involved in the squad," he told the Birmingham Mail. "I believe I can still add something to the team even if it is making an impact as a substitute or on the left side.

"It is frustrating because I like the club, the city and the fans and I hope we can stay in the Premier League. But I also have to think about my own career if I am not playing."

Media reports suggest that Wenger was interested in De Ridder last summer and could yet still bring the former Dutch Under-21 international to the Emirates Stadium in a shock £3million move.


(The Guardian)
03 May 2008 by admin
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Daniel de Ridder heading for Birmingham City exit


Steve Bruce described De Ridder's dribbling skills and the way he ran at opponents as akin to Ryan Giggs after his full home debut in October.
In the summer, it looks as if the 24-year-old will be on his way.

Birmingham's De Ridder considers exit


Birmingham winger Daniel de Ridder admits he may have to consider his future after becoming "frustrated" at his lack of first-team outings.
The Holland Under-21 international, signed by Steve Bruce last summer, has not featured for Alex McLeish's side since the FA Cup clash with Huddersfield in early January.

He said: "When Alex McLeish came in, I played in his first game at Tottenham and we won and I thought I did well. I have watched the tape back and I was described as one of Birmingham's most dangerous players.

"Then I came on at Manchester United along with Mikael Forssell and I thought we made a difference and changed the game. But everything has altered for me 180 degrees and I am frustrated I am not involved in the squad.

"Sebastian Larsson has done very well but, although I am not the same sort of player, I believe I can still add something to the team even if it is making an impact as a substitute or on the left side.

"It is frustrating because I like the club, the city and the fans and I hope we can stay in the Premier League. But I also have to think about my own career if I am not playing."

As regards the perception that he is injury-prone, De Ridder insisted: "I want to make it clear I have only had two injuries since coming here.

"I got a kick on the leg in the opening game at Chelsea which kept me out for six weeks and a hamstring strain in a reserve game in early April which kept me out for 10 days.

"Apart from that, there has been nothing. I am training hard and would love to be involved - but it is the manager's decision."

(BM-Sky Sports-TB)
29 Apr 2008 by admin
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Ajax wilde Daniel de Ridder opnieuw vastleggen


Daniel de Ridder was afgelopen zomer dicht bij een terugkeer naar Ajax.
De 24-jarige flankspeler ging niet in op de avances van de club waar hij debuteerde in het betaalde voetbal omdat hij zich bij Birmingham City gewilder voelde.

'Ik kon tekenen bij Ajax en Birmingham City', legt de tweevoudig Europees kampioen met Jong Oranje uit in de Volkskrant.
'Bij Ajax heb ik een gesprek gehad met Ten Cate en Van Geel, maar Steve Bruce kwam overtuigender over', vertelde de Amsterdammer over de toenmalige coach van Birmingham.

'Volgens Bruce leek ik op Ryan Giggs en kon ik een grote worden. Die was lyrisch.'
De Ridder heeft bij Birmingham City inmiddels te maken met een andere coach: Alex McLeish. Onder de Schot is zijn inbreng uiterst beperkt en is De Ridder verworden tot tribuneklant.

Volgens McLeish zit zijn tegen degradatie vechtende team niet te wachten op de stylist, al is hij onder de indruk van De Ridder.
'Hij zegt: Jij zou in een elftal met betere spelers moeten voetballen. Hij vindt mij te voetballend ingesteld.
Dan zou je bijna denken: Stuur mij dan maar naar Manchester United', grapte De Ridder.


(VI)
16 Mar 2008 by admin
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Defeat won't get de Ridder down


Daniel de Ridder today insisted Villa are no better, no worse than Blues.

The winger, who stressed he was fouled by Martin Laursen and should have been awarded a penalty, said that Blues must not get despondent after the derby defeat.
De Ridder said he believed Blues had enough about them to avoid relegation to the Championship.


Blues slipped to 15th place in the Premier League following the 2-1 reverse at St Andrew's, three points from the drop zone.

"Being on the pitch, I didn't think there was that much difference between the players of Aston Villa and us in quality," he said. "We could have won it and probably a 1-1 draw would have been representive for the game.

"It was just very disappointing to lose the way we did. But I am confident that we have shown enough this season [to stay in the division] and that we can recover."

Recalling the controversial 32nd-minute penalty that never was, de Ridder, who was booked for diving, said he was wronged.
"I just absolutely felt a knock on my left foot and it hurt. I know that he kicked me," he said. "That's why I went down. I asked the referee, he told me to go away, I told him to see the replay. I could maybe have gone on, but I would have never got the ball, it was not an option, so I went down.

"A foul is a foul. It doesn't make a difference how you go down. It was a big decision that was not positive for us.

Mikael Forssell plundered Blues' equaliser after being thrust up front alongside Cameron Jerome for the second half.
Forssell has just recovered from hernia surgery - now Jerome goes into hospital for a similar procedure tomorrow.

As to whether the adoption of a recognised front pairing was the way ahead and would have a positive affect on Blues, de Ridder said:

"Could be. When Forssell came on we did have a good period of attacking moments. I think we are all glad that he is fit again and he can bring his qualities. All football players go through injuries, and that's what happened to him in this last period. But we all know what he can do and let's hope he can do it in the games that are coming, then we will be happy."

For 10 of Blues' players who saw action it was a first taste of a Birmingham derby, including de Ridder.
He said: "It was a very good atmosphere but, overall, it was a disappointing day because of the loss."


(BM)
12 Nov 2007 by admin
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DANIEL DE MAN FOR BRUCE

Daniel De Ridder - can star for Blues.

Manager Steve Bruce is convinced Birmingham have a Premiership match-winner in their Dutch Under-21 international Daniel de Ridder.

Going into Saturday's match at Everton, Bruce believes De Ridder will prove to be a major asset to Birmingham's survival fight as opposition defences struggle to come to terms with the talented winger.
It was De Ridder who masterminded Birmingham's first win in five games last Saturday when they secured a crucial 3-2 home win over struggling Wigan and Bruce is looking for more of the same at Goodison Park.


Bruce said: "Daniel's skill on the ball has given us a fresh option. The bonus is that we have a player who can take on an opponent and beat him on the run.
"This is such a tremendous asset and it could also benefit the likes of Cameron Jerome by creating a lot more openings in front of goal."

The Dutchman himself is very happy to have made such a good impact after the disappointment of being injured in the opening match of the season at Chelsea.

He disappeared off the radar for a spell as he struggled for fitness but underlined his potential against Wigan when he burst into the match some 20 minutes after the start.
The former Ajax and Celta Vigo player admitted: "It was frustrating to get injured on the first day of the season but I knew that the ankle injury was not serious.

"What was pleasing for me was that my performance was saluted by the Birmingham fans. They make me feel at home and that is important for any new player.

"I've just tried to contribute with things that I've got in my locker and I'm glad the fans appreciated what I'm trying to do.
"It was a case of being patient. This is what football is all about. Sometimes you just have to wait for your chance.
"So far as I'm concerned that has now arrived and I am keen to cash in on the opportunity as Birmingham's passing style suits my game.

"As could be seen against Wigan we have some footballing players with quality to get at the opposition and work through the defence.

"They are attributes which can really help a team to score goals.

De Ridder was particularly impressed with Olivier Kapo.
The former Juventus player has taken some time to settle in at Birmingham but the caring attitude of Bruce has resulted in a pleasing response from the French international.

Bruce is employing a similar approach with his latest foreign import, Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios.
Whether or not Palacios lines up in an unchanged side depends upon whether he asks to return home after the kidnapping of his younger brother, who was due to come to England over the next few weeks for a holiday in the midlands.


(Sporting Life)
02 Nov 2007 by admin
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'Het spel van De Ridder lijkt op dat van Giggs'


Birmingham City-manager Steve Bruce is welhaast lyrisch over Daniel de Ridder. De voormalige Ajacied maakte zaterdag eindelijk zijn thuisdebuut.

Tegen Wigan Athletic kreeg De Ridder vlak voor tijd een publiekswissel op St. Andrew's, de thuishaven van Birmingham City. Bruce zegt nu in The Birmingham Mail dat hij een voetballer met de kwaliteiten die De Ridder aan de bal heeft de komende weken hard nodig zal hebben.

'Hij is een geval apart, een echte publiekslieveling', zegt Bruce. 'Iedereen loopt weg met spelers die met dribbels tegenstanders in de maling kunnen nemen. Het spel van De Ridder lijkt op dat van Giggs, ook door de identieke lichaamsbouw.'


Bruce constateert met genoegen progressie in het spel van de speler die afgelopen zomer werd overgenomen van Celta de Vigo. De Ridder liep in de openingswedstrijd tegen Chelsea een enkelblessure op.

'Hij moet ons nu verzekeren dat het duel met Wigan niet uniek was, hij moet het zaterdag ook tegen Everton weer laten zien. Daniel deed het goed in het laatste half uur dat hij tegen Manchester City in actie kwam, en tegen Wigan speelde hij uitstekend. Laten we hopen dat hij die stijgende lijn kan voortzetten.'


(VI)

01 Nov 2007 by admin
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Birmingham Fans praise De Ridder


I was pleasantly surprised with De Ridder, I have to admit.

I remember watching the Dutch Under-21s on Sky and thinking that both he and Royston Drenthe looked like amazing prospects.
And that he looks a lot like Robert Pires!

He looked very confident on the ball, without being cocky, and never once looked as if he was about to lose it to the opposition.
He glided over the pitch with ease, even when faced with two or more defenders around him he never once flapped.
He just calmly found his own space with the ball and played it on.


He's not your over-confident player either, not like Cristiano 'The Cheater' Ronaldo.
He's very intelligent and knows the value of when to be flash and when to be your typical 'old fashioned' winger.

Infact, he reminds me a bit of when I've seen video footage of the legend that is Stanley Matthews if I'm honest.
That sort of 'air' about him on the pitch, the unassuming yet totally in control sort of player.

All this at just 23!


(Kaje-J&S)


De Ridder will be an absolute crowd favorite - He reminds me a bit of Dugarry, the skills and the amazing touch he has.
The way he can beat a man and get the crowd going and they way he has taken to the fans - Exactly the same as Dugarry.

I hope he stays with us longer than 'Le God' did, and I do think he is going to possibly be our best player between now and the rest of the season, the kid oozes immense quality.


(Jay-J&S)
30 Oct 2007 by admin
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Dan's the fans new star man



FLYING DUTCHMAN Daniel de Ridder looks destined to become a firm favourite at Blues.
De Ridder enjoyed a dream home debut in front of the St Andrew's faithful, teasing and tantalising Wigan Athletic's defence every time he was on the ball.

Blues boss Steve Bruce recognised de Ridder's contribution in the 3-2 win and displayed his man-management skills to the full when he took the Dutchman off deep into stoppage time. It was an opportunity for de Ridder to receive a standing ovation from the supporters.


The gesture was well appreciated by de Ridder, who has experienced a thoroughly frustrating start to the season after suffering an injury on the opening day at Chelsea.

He said: "I felt really at home. I just tried to contribute with the things I had in my locker and I'm very glad the fans have appreciated that.
"It's been a matter of patience. It can be frustrating, but I know that in football you just have to wait for your chance and I have done that. I'm 100 per cent fit right now.
"It can be very frustrating when you get injured on the first day. It was an ankle injury. I think Lampard kicked me from behind, I don't know if it was on purpose, but my ankle made a very strange move and I felt it was wrong."

Since the injury against Chelsea, de Ridder has featured just once for Blues, in the Carling Cup defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
However, he refuses to get downhearted and said: "There are worse things in life than an injury. It's like anything, you have to deal with it."

De Ridder praised the Blues supporters and added: "The crowd at Birmingham can become a big weapon.
"My experience so far is that the crowd is fantastic.
"I've been involved with a couple of clubs, but away from home, they really can make a difference."

Former Ajax and Celta Vigo player de Ridder has already been put in the picture as to what to expect from his next home appearance - when arch rivals Villa are the visitors to St Andrew's.

He revealed: "In Holland there were never any local derbies, because there is only one club in Amsterdam.
"I've already heard that the Villa game means so much to the fans if we can win it."


(BM)
30 Oct 2007 by admin
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MAN OF THE MATCH: DE RIDDER
Staande ovatie voor De Ridder

Daniel de Ridder heeft dan gisteren eindelijk zijn kunsten kunnen vertonen aan de fans van Birmingham City.
De middenvelder maakte zijn debuut in de basiself tegen Wigan (3-2) en liet voor eigen publiek een zeer sterke indruk achter.


Het begin van het seizoen was voor De Ridder (23) zeer ongelukkig. In zijn Premier League-debuut tegen Chelsea raakte hij bij zijn invalbeurt geblesseerd aan zijn enkel. Een vervelende blessure, liet de middenvelder weten aan De Telegraaf. "Ik had m'n enkelband aan de voor- en zijkant verrekt. Het was dus zaak dat ik hard moest werken om te herstellen. Dat is gelukt."

"Vorige week kon ik dan eindelijk weer invallen tegen Manchester City, en dat ging erg goed. Zaterdag mocht ik dan eindelijk in de basis starten. De trainer zei de afgelopen week dat ik iets extra's kon brengen in het elftal. Dat mag ik alleen maar opvatten als een compliment: het straalt vertrouwen uit."

Het vertrouwen van de technische staf werd meer dan uitbetaald: De Ridder speelde de pannen van het dak in het eigen St. Andrews Stadium. Hij kon zijn sterke wedstrijd echter niet belonen met een doelpunt, al kreeg hij daar wel de kansen voor. Als dank gunde coach Steve Bruce zijn pupil een publiekswissel in de laatste minuut.


(VZ)
28 Oct 2007 by admin
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Manchester City - Birmingham : De Ridder looks sharp ...


De Ridder looks sharp, excellent touches

Steve Bruce rolled his eyes to the heavens at the end of this bad tempered niggly game at Maine Road. An obvious foul by Johnson on Muamba as he carried the ball out of defence saw the ball fall to Elano whose low shot into Maik Taylor’s bottom left hand corner had hardly hit the back of the net before Bruce and his assistant Eric Black were on their feet berating the linesman and fourth official. Bruce’s anger was probably further fuelled by the knowledge that up until that point a quite classy Birmingham side had been the far better of these two shades of blue.

Recently Birmingham have switched regularly to a 4-5-1 formation with the exciting Palacios and the dogged Nafti combining well in the middle, exchanging short passes to keep themselves out of trouble whilst around them buzzes the effervescent Muamba as keen as a puppy finding himself a new home on Christmas Day. With the midfield at last understanding each other’s responsibilities and covering each other well and the back four (where Smitz ably deputised for Djourou who was injured midweek playing for Switzerland) throwing a blanket over all but the most pacey of attacks things should be looking good for Blues fans. However, as is often the case, as soon as one, or in this case two, things are fixed something else falls out of kilter. As undoubtedly talented as Kapo is he still struggles to turn that talent into effectiveness, whilst on the other side of Jerome McSheffrey seems to have turned his own effectiveness into something between a marshmallow and a meringue. Yum Yum ? Not !

As soon as McSheffrey left the field and De Ridder was brought on Birmingham looked sharper and less predictable. De Ridder’s fine balance, athleticism and cultured right foot were at the heart of a phase of play when Birmingham laid almost constant siege to Manchester’s defence with one move between Palacios, Kapo and Muamba ending up with Muamba’s well struck effort rebounding off Joe Hart’s chest before Jerome and O’Connor combined well with the Scotsman’s goal bound shot being unluckily blocked.

The biggest problem the young Dutchman will face soon became evident as Manchester’s pressured defenders resorted to taking his legs from under him and bringing him to the ground in whatever way they could.

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Birmingham could have, and should have, won this game. Bruce has managed at last to add talent and ability to his favoured blend of doggedness and spirit – all he needs now is a few half decent referees in charge.



(UK Media)
20 Oct 2007 by admin
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Scorende De Ridder op weg terug bij Birmingham


Daniel de Ridder is klaar voor zijn rentree in het eerste elftal van Birmingham City.
De 23-jarige aanvaller kwam negentig minuten in actie voor het reserve-elftal en luisterde zijn optreden op met een doelpunt.


Tegen Halesowen Town opende de van een enkelblessure herstelde De Ridder vlak voor rust de score na een voorzet van Mat Sadler.
De Birmingham-reserves zegevierden uiteindelijk met 2-0.

Sinds zijn komst van Celta de Vigo was de inbreng van De Ridder in het eerste elftal beperkt.
Tijdens de eerste speeldag van de Premier League tegen Chelsea (3-2 verlies) kwam de Nederlander een kwartier voor tijd binnen de lijnen
en haakte hij in blessuretijd af met een gekwetste enkel.


(VI)
12 Sep 2007 by admin
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Birmingham Senior Cup
Halesowen Town 0 - 2 Birmingham City

Line-up:

1. Artur Krysiak
2. David Howland
3. Frank Quedrue
4. Martin Taylor
5. Rafael Schmitz
6. Wilson Palacios
7. Daniel De Ridder
8. Obina
9. Rowan Vine
10. Neil Danns
11. Matt Sadler

14. Ryan Burge (Sub Obina 88')

Goals:

44' [0 - 1] Daniel De Ridder
90' [0 - 2] Rowan Vine


(HT)
11 Sep 2007 by admin
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Chelsea V Blues - Preview


(bcfc)
11 Aug 2007 by admin
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Birmingham City (2007-2008)

09 Aug 2007 by admin
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Sheffield Wednesday 0 -2 Blues


First time I've seen Blues this pre-season, and it patches I was really impressed.

De Ridder - Wow. It was only a cameo appearance in a friendly, but he was sensational. He took five minutes to get into the game, but once he did some of his touches were magnificent and he played some fantastic balls including a fair few reverse balls that he seemed to be the only person on the pitch capable of seeing. There were times that he played a pass that never looked on, that suddenly put a team-mate through on goal. Unfortunately those team-mates tended to be Neil Danns and Rowan Vine, so nothing really came of it. He played wide right, but drifted all over the place and was impossible to pick up - at one point he was just in front of the back four and played a neat one-two with Nafti, then as play developed he'd gone from nowhere to being through on goal. Very, very exciting.

Kapo - obviously the first time I'd seen him for us too, and I think much of what has already been said about him is true. He looks like he's not doing a great deal, but he's always taking up clever positions, and his touch is amazing. Every ball he plays seems to be absolutely perfectly weighted - almost caressed into someone's path. The one run he went on was superb too - he went past three defenders in one movement on the edge of the area, but unfortunately his right foot shot was weak and went across goal.

Ridgewell & Queudrue - Both looked like solid Premiership defenders, which I think we desperately needed. We added flair further forward, but just needed people who'd been there and done it further back. Queudrue made one or two errors (the penalty was a foul, despite an over-the-top dive to convince the officials), but generally looked fine and showed some excellent cross-field balls, whilst I must confess to being very pleasantly surprised by Ridgewell. Obviously there was the goal, but otherwise he took control of the back four, bossing Martin Taylor (his captain) about, and loved competing for the ball. You can see why Bruce rates him, because he's almost got a touch of the young Steve Bruce about him - he's no giant, but he's in the back of people, tugging on shirts and being a real competitor. If someone gets the better of him on the half way line, rather than being like Taylor and panicking, he'll just tug on their shirt, give away a foul and get on with it, and all centre halves need that. His distirbution was lacking once or twice as he knocked the ball long, but on other occasions he took the ball out of defence comfortably, and again, like Bruce and even Kenny Cunningham, seemed to be a bit of a right-place, right-time merchant in that he was often there to intercept the ball at dangerous times.

O'Connor - he came on for Forssell who went off injured (only with a head injury though) and started slowly, but once he got going, again I was impressed. Like Ridgewell, he loved competing and won plenty in the air. His touch was good too - late on he was linking well with Kapo and De Ridder. His hold up play was good and intelligent, and he brought others into the game well, and he took his goal very well. The comparisons with Geoff Horsfield are easy to make, but with all due respect to Geoff, O'Connor's a much better footballer.

Nafti - Superb in midfield. To be fair to him, I don't think he has the friendly mentality - he just views every game as another match. Won tackle after tackle, never gave the ball away, played neat one twos in and around the midfield and got his attacking players going. I'm a huge fan of Nafti's, and whilst Muamba was solid enough, Nafti outshone him in this game, and I do think he may well suit the Premiership. With the way things are, I suspect he could not only start against Chelsea, but also captain us too (unless we get another midfielder in by then).

Others - Doyle looked solid, took catches well and saved an admittedly weak penalty. Kelly looks a good, reliable, solid, versatile defender. Martin Taylor looked shaky, but didn't do anything wrong, but still scares me to death and will get shown up if he plays this season. Larsson looked lively, whereas McSheffrey looked greedy and I feel has a lot to prove - he'll start at Chelsea, but I don't think he should, given Kapo and De Ridder being here now. Vine, Danns and Kilkenny all came on when we were playing exhibition stuff at the end through Kapo and De Ridder, and they joined in, looked lively, but didn't have the end product. That's about it really.

Towards the end, when Kapo and De Ridder were on, it was like men against boys. Either side of half time, Wednesday were the better team, but otherwise we bossed it and looked comfortable. At the end though, some of our football was a joy to watch, and what you have to say about our new signings is that they're all proper footballers, which bodes well. Anyone expecting us to play beautiful, free-flowing football all season is mad, because we HAVE to be ugly and attritional at times, but with those we've brought in, we do have the people to add the class further forward, and we will play some good football at times, and we will open teams up - it was all very positive.

Right, I'm off to get DE RIDDER 20 on the back of my shirt. I hope he starts at Chelsea, but fear that may be too much to ask, especially as this was his first pre-season outing, and how we're likely to set up at Chelsea (understandably, I guess), but expect people to be thrilled by him at home to Sunderland a week on Wednesday.


(smallheathalliance.com)
06 Aug 2007 by admin
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Birmingham Mail


Bruce sealed the deal for Daniel


Daniel de Ridder today revealed why he rejected an emotional return to his home-town club Ajax - because of Steve Bruce.

The star of Holland's UEFA Under-21 European Championship victory said Bruce's powers of persuasion and the chance to test himself in the Premiership brought him to St Andrew's on a Bosman free transfer. De Ridder began his career at Ajax before joining Celta Vigo in Spain in 2005.

"Why Birmingham? The manager," said the winger, who could figure for the first time in pre-season on Saturday at Sheffield Wednesday if, as expected, his international clearance comes through. "He made it very clear what the plan was this season and what my role would be.

"I know he was watching me in the under-21s Championship, and I had several talks with him. We met in Monaco one time. I was impressed.

"There were other clubs who wanted me. The other that was close was my home-town club, Ajax. But Birmingham was the most convincing one for me.

"The Premiership is a dream challenge for me. So, altogether - the manager, the role, the league, the city - it was right."

De Ridder was tipped for big things after making his debut for the famous Amsterdam club, where he won the Eredivisie Championship and played Champions League football.
When he left, it was a surprise.

"I made my debut for Ronald Koeman and he was very good for me," said the 23-year-old. "I played a lot and he believed in me. Then came a change and the new manager played me less.

"I was thinking maybe it was right to go and I changed to Celta Vigo. I came through with Tom de Mul, who has just gone to Sevilla. Babel a little later came into the squad. I was also with Sneijder, Heitinga, players like those. I enjoyed it, but it was right for me to move."

De Ridder said he knew he would have to adapt to the pace and hurly-burly nature of the Premiership.
And for one with such ball skills and inventiveness, he has prepared himself to be kicked.

"That's the passion of England, that's the mentality," he said. "It's good to be passionate in games. I just have to make sure I am in top shape, good condition, and then I will keep my head up."

He said: "Birmingham are a big, historic club. I will have to get familiar with its mentality but I have heard that it is a fighting club with big support and passionate fans.

"The players here have that fighting feeling, I can tell. They are hungry, and that's good. Success for me personally is relative to the team. If we have a good year, then it means I will have had a good year.

"The first goal is to stay in the Premiership, which I believe we can do, and from there on look to evolve and move up. I want to play as many games as I can. If I can share in success, that would be fantastic."

De Ridder made three assists in Holland's 4-1 defeat of Serbia in the Under-21 final.
More of the same please, said Bruce when they held talks.

"I created a lot of goals in the under-21s Championship, so that's what he expects of me," confirmed de Ridder. "That's what's in my capacity. It's not like I am going to make three assists every game, but that is what I believe can do.

"I felt very good in my role in the under-21s Championship," added de Ridder, who played wide on the right of attack.


(Birmingham Mail)
03 Aug 2007 by admin
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De Ridder - Training Birmingham
27 Jul 2007 by admin
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De Ridder ready for England


De Ridder ready for England

PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2007-08


New Birmingham signing Daniel de Ridder believes his style of play is perfectly suited to the Premier League.
De Ridder impressed last month as Holland retained the European Under 21 Championship, and Blues boss Steve Bruce moved to sign the player on a free transfer when his Celta Vigo contract expired.

And, after playing top level football in Holland and Spain, he is now raring to go in England.

"The Premiership is the most exciting league in the world, but I have played for Ajax in the Champions League and in La Liga for Celta Vigo, so I am used to a high level of football," he told the club's official website.

"If you look at the teams and the players in the Premiership now, I think my style of football will suit this league."
"I have good vision. I can read the game and pass well with both my right and left foot. I can beat players one-on-one and my crossing is good."

"A lot of Dutch players have been successful in the Premiership and I hope that I can follow in their footsteps."

De Ridder made limited appearances for Celta Vigo last term due to injuries, but he is adamant that he is not an injury-prone player.
"It was bad luck, because normally I don't suffer from injuries at all."

Bruce hailed De Ridder for his versatility when he signed for the club, but the player says both he and his manager feel he is best deployed on the right.

"I have played mainly on the right of midfield during my career and it's the winger position that I prefer, but I don't mind taking up other offensive midfield roles.
Steve told me that he thinks the same as me, that I can play in several positions but the right wing is my best position."
"I had very satisfying talks with Steve Bruce and I got a good feeling about the move to Birmingham City."

"The manager told me that he wanted me in his squad and that was the most important thing to hear."


(Sky Sports)
11 Jul 2007 by admin
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Flying Dutchman wings in for Birmingham



Bruce delighted with de Ridder capture


BLUES have continued to strengthen for their Premiership return by signing rising Dutch star Daniel de Ridder on a Bosman free transfer.
The 23-year-old left Spanish club Celta Vigo and passed a medical in Birmingham last night.
De Ridder, who came through the youth ranks at Ajax, was persuaded to opt for Blues on a contract until 2010 after some typically fast talking by Steve Bruce.

The Blues boss said he was delighted to have snared one of the standout players from Holland's UEFA under-21 European Championship-winning side.

De Ridder has been linked with a host of big clubs throughout Europe during his career thus far, but was hampered by injury last season,
when Celta Vigo were relegated into the second division.
But he shot to promience again by dazzling on the right wing for the Dutch as they hosted the finals last month, where Bruce was in attendance.

"He was outstanding in the tournament," Bruce enthused. "He's a talented, talented player.
"Daniel is a very good acquisition for us and what I like about him is that he is quite versatile. He can play on the right or the left, or just off the front.

"He is certainly going to add something different to us attacking-wise."

De Ridder spent the last two seasons in Spain after leaving Ajax and been previously on the radar of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Spurs.

Although slight, he is technically gifted and a fine conjurer of chances.

He set up the first three of Holland's goals in their 4-1 victory over Serbia in the under-21 European Championship final.

Said Bruce: "I was fortunate enough to arrange a meeting in France last week and I put to him everything about the club and all the rest of it, and we were able to take things from there.

"He didn't have the best time because of injuries last season but on a Bosman with his talent, he was too good to ignore."

De Ridder scored Holland's sixth penalty in the amazing shoot-out win over England in the under-21s semi-final. But he was given a reprieve when the drama continued in sudden death with the 30th spot-kick of the night.

He could have put Holland into the final following Matt Derbyshire's miss, but Scott Carson kept out his attempt. Next up was Rio Ferdinand who struck the crossbar and then Gianni Zuiverloon booked Holland's passage 13-12.


(Birmingham Mail)
03 Jul 2007 by admin
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BLUES LAND DUTCH FLYER


PREMIERSHIP SEASON 2007-08

Birmingham City have completed their fifth signing of a busy pre-season with the capture of Dutch winger Daniel de Ridder.




The 23-year-old, who impressed at the recent European Under-21 Championship, arrives at St Andrews on a free transfer, having seen his contract at Spanish side Celta Vigo expire.

De Ridder has signed a three-year deal, following successful negotiations with Blues boss Steve Bruce, who is likely to regard his latest signing as being somewhat of a coup, given the versatility offered by the player.

Capable of performing as either a striker or in midfield, De Ridder is highly-rated in his homeland and, tipped for full international honours, should he impress in the Premier League.

De Ridder, like so many of his successful compatriots, started his career at Ajax before electing to quit Holland for Spain, and Celta Vigo, back in 2005.

Bruce's latest signing follows on from the captures Fabrice Muamba, Stuart Parnaby, Garry O'Connor and Olivier Kapo.


(Sky Sports)

03 Jul 2007 by admin
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Premiership - De Ridder joins Birmingham



Premiership - De Ridder joins Birmingham


Netherlands Under-21 winger Daniel de Ridder has joined newly-promoted Birmingham City from relegated Spanish club Celta Vigo. The 23-year-old former Ajax youth player has arrived on a free after impressing during the victorious Dutch European Under-21 championship campaign.


Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has fought-off alleged competition from Middlesbrough and Wigan to sign the tricky wideman, who can play on both flanks.

De Ridder barely featured for Celta as they dropped to the Segunda Division this season, although scored once in 17 apperances during the previous campain, his debut season in Spain.

The Amsterdam-born player becomes the fifth new arrival at St Andrews this summer, joining Garry O'Connor, Olivier Kapo, Fabrice Muamba and Stuart Parnaby in the midlands.


(Eurosport]


03 Jul 2007 by admin
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De Ridder naar Birmingham City


De Ridder naar Birmingham City


Daniël de Ridder heeft een driejarig contract getekend bij Birmingham City. De 23-jarige aanvaller mocht transfervrij vertrekken bij Celta de Vigo, dat afgelopen seizoen degradeerde uit de Primera División. De oud-Ajacied wist zich het afgelopen jeugd-EK in de basis te knokken en wekte daarmee de belangstelling uit Engeland.

De Ridder verruilde in 2005 Ajax voor Celta de Vigo. Een onverdeeld succes werd zijn verblijf in Spanje niet, mede door blessures. Op het EK onder 21 groeide de rechtsbuiten uit tot een vaste waarde in het Jong Oranje van coach Foppe de Haan. Na afloop van dat toernooi besloten De Ridder en Celta het tot 2010 doorlopende contract te ontbinden, zodat de Amsterdammer zijn handen vrij had een nieuwe club te vinden. Uiteindelijk koos hij voor Birmingham City.

"Ik ben ongelooflijk blij met deze transfer", aldus De Ridder, die naar verluidt ook in de belangstelling stond van Ajax en Beitar Jeruzalem. "De Premier League is de mooiste en best bekeken competitie ter wereld en het is geweldig dat ik nu de kans krijg om daarin te spelen."


(VI-Telegraaf)
02 Jul 2007 by admin
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Johan Cruijff over De Ridder


Johan Cruyff:


quote:

(...)

Trouwens, zowel in de slotfase tegen Engeland als in de finale tegen Servië is wel gebleken hoe belangrijk buitenspelers zijn
en hoe handig het is als je spelers hebt die voorin het veld goed breed houden.
Tegen Servië bereidde een echte rechtsbuiten als Daniël de Ridder zelfs drie van de vier treffers voor.

Zo zie je maar.





(Column Telegraaf)
01 Jul 2007 by admin
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UEFA EC 2007 - FINAL - HIGHLIGHTS



Final - HIGHLIGHTS:



EC 2007 FINAL - Download - Click HERE





(UEFA)
25 Jun 2007 by admin
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JONG ORANJE: EUROPEES KAMPIOEN 2007




Jong Oranje wervelt naar tweede titel op rij


Jong Oranje had zijn beste vorm voor het laatst bewaard. Met in de hoofdrollen Otman Bakkal, Ryan Babel en Daniël de Ridder moest Jong Servië de Europese titel aan Nederland laten (4-1).
Juist Bakkal, die als enige twijfelgeval had toegewerkt naar de finale, bleek een beslissende factor bij het leggen van een basis. Jong Servië wist zich in de eerste helft geen raad met de PSV'er, die als komende man vanaf het middenveld steeds de ruimte zag en gebruikte.

Na ruim een kwartier betaalde de rol van Bakkal zich uit. Na een knappe pass van De Ridder werkte de middenvelder zich langs Antonio Rukavina en rondde hij goed af: 1-0.

Bakkal gaf Jong Oranje niet alleen met zijn doelpunt lucht en vertrouwen. Ook al greep de Servische bondscoach Miroslav Djukic halverwege de eerste helft al in, Jong Oranje vaarde wel bij de aanwezigheid van de PSV'er, zoals ook duidelijk werd bij de kans die De Ridder van Bakkal kreeg.

Aanvallend mocht Jong Oranje goed voor de dag komen, in defensief opzicht was het zo nu en dan worstelen. En ook over geluk had Nederland niet te klagen. Zo kwam keeper Boy Waterman goed weg, toen hij een vrije trap van Alesandar Kolarov compleet miste. De redding kwam van de paal. En ook het eerste kwartier van de tweede helft zette Jong Servi Oranje onder druk, met enkele hectische momenten voor het Nederlandse doel als resultaat.

Een half uur voor tijd viel de beslissing in een tijdsbestek van twee minuten. Allereerst was Ryan Babel alerter dan zijn directe tegenstander Kolarov toen een voorzet van De Ridder iets van richting werd veranderd: 2-0.

Daarmee was nog niet gedaan met de hoofdrol voor Babel. Een overtreding van Kolarov op de Ajax-aanvaller betekende een tweede gele en dus rode kaart voor de Servische back. Enkele minuten later zette Babel Maceo Rigters vrij voor keeper Damir Kahriman: 3-0.

Dat Babel een verdere bekroning op zijn goede wedstrijd, en dé kans op 4-0 liet liggen door een strafschop te missen, was een smet op een mooie finale voor Jong Oranje, zoals ook de tegentreffer van invaller Dragan Mrdja dat was.

Het laatste wapenfeit was echter weer voor Jong Oranje. Invaller Luigi Bruins tekende voor de eindstand na een voorzet van De Ridder, die met drie assists eveneens zijn waarde had getoond voor de oude nieuwe Europese kampioen.


(VI-Highlow)
24 Jun 2007 by admin
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Holland U21 1 - 1 England U21





Holland U21 1 - 1 England U21

Holland ended brave England's European Championship hopes with a dramatic 13-12 sudden death penalty shoot-out victory in Heerenveen.

Gianni Zuiverloon scored the crucial winning penalty in the 16th round of spot-kicks to send the hosts and holders into the final after Anton Ferdinand had seen his penalty come back off the crossbar.

Maceo Rigters' last-gasp goal cancelled out Leroy Lita's first half opener to force the game into extra-time and the marathon shoot-out.

Dutch full-back Gianni Zuiverloon had the first shot on goal after 18 minutes when he latched onto Daniel de Ridder's pass and drove his shot over the crossbar.
De Ridder had a sight of goal on 23 minutes, but the winger dragged his shot well wide of the target.

Ryan Babel wasted a great chance to score three minutes later when strike partner Mace Rigters teed him up on the edge of the box, but the Ajax ace curled his shot straight into the arms of Scott Carson. Babel looked the man most likely for Holland when he cut past three challenges and exchanged passes with De Ridder only to clip his shot harmlessly over the top.

England broke the deadlock on 39 minutes with Lita netting his third goal of the tournament. David Nugent flicked on a long punt upfield from Carson to Lita who cleverly turned Ron Vlaar inside the box before volleying his effort past Boy Waterman at his near post.

Holland tried to hit back before the break, but Hedwiges Maduro and De Ridder failed to trouble Carson with their shots from the edge of the box.
Leighton Baines failed to return for the second half because of injury and Liam Rosenior replaced him at left-back. England were unlucky not to double their lead on 50 minutes when Lita smashed a free-kick on the edge of the box against the post after Ashley Young was felled by Vlaar.

Holland threw more and more men forward in search of an equaliser and Maduro fired in a long-range effort which Carson parried away and from the rebound Steven Taylor got a vital block on Rigters's effort.
England suffered a blow 15 minutes from time when Mark Noble picked up a booking to rule him out of the final. Things got worse for England five minutes later when skipper Nigel Reo-Coker picked up a costly booking to also rule him out of the showpiece final after chopping down Roy Beerens.

England had a lucky escape on 85 minutes when Babel got down the right and flashed a dangerous cross right across the face of goal which Steven Taylor just about managed to clear.

Holland drew level a minute from time with a controversial strike from Rigters. With Taylor down injured inside the box the home side refused to kick the ball out of play and Ryan Donk headed a ball back across goal for Rigters to acrobatically volley home from close-range.
Babel almost won it for Holland in the dying seconds when he flashed a fierce free-kick just inches over the crossbar, but the game was forced into extra-time to decide who would reach the final.

England's problems increased in the first period of extra-time with Nedum Onuoha being forced off with a groin injury leaving Stuart Pearce's men to play the remainder of extra-time with just ten men having already used all their allocated substitutes. Six minutes from the end of extra-time James Milner picked up a booking to see him suspended for the final. Despite their numerical disadvantage England battled manfully to keep out Holland and force the game into a dreaded penalty shoot-out.

Arnold Kruiswijk missed the chance to win the game for Holland when he fired his penalty over the top after Reo-Coker missed his effort in sudden death.

The tenth penalty sparked controversy as the injured Taylor appeared to be excused from taking a penalty, but after complaints from Holland coach Foppe De Haan the referee changed his mind and the Newcastle defender was forced to take his penalty and he kept his cool to score.

Holland fluffed a second chance to win the game when De Ridder saw his effort saved by Carson after Matt Derbyshire had seen his spot-kick saved by Waterman. Ferdinand missed England's 16th penalty allowing Zuiverloon the chance to score the crucial spot-kick to send Holland into the final.


(Sky Sports)
21 Jun 2007 by admin
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Holanda – Polonia 1-0


quote:

Victoria 'oranje' antes del Europeo


Holanda – Polonia 1-0

Un gol de Tim Janssen aseguró el triunfo de Holanda antes del inicio del Campeonato de Europa de la UEFA sub-21 que empieza el domingo.

El seleccionador holandés Foppe de Haan pudo contar con sus 23 jugadores por primera vez, ya que todos están disponibles tras acabar el campeonato holandés. Entre ellos estaban el portero del AZ Alkmaar Boy Waterman, y los delanteros del AFC Ajax Hedwiges Maduro y Ryan Babel. Otman Bakkal fue el jugador que más cerca estuvo de marcar para los anfitriones en la primera parte, ya que se le anuló un tanto por fuera de juego, mientras que Babel falló un tanto en línea de gol.

Holanda siguió presionando en el último tramo del partido. Daniel de Ridder, Janssen y Roy Beerens eran los hombres más peligrosos de la Oranje.
Finalmente fue el delantero del RKC Waalwijk Janssen que certificó la victoria holandesa, al aprovechar un remate de cabeza del capitán Ron Vlaar que rebotó en el palo.
De Ridder estrelló luego un balón en el larguero, aunque la corta ventaja local fue finalmente suficiente para dar la primera victoria a Holanda
frente a Polonia en seis intentos en esta categoría.



(UEFA)

05 Jun 2007 by admin
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Holland defeats Poland


Holland 1 - 0 Poland

The attacking impetus increased in the closing stages with substitutes Daniel de Ridder, a key man in the Jong Oranje's 2006 Under-21 triumph,
Janssen and Roy Beerens all entering the fray. It was RKC Waalwijk striker Janssen who finally secured the victory,
heading in after captain Ron Vlaar's header bounced back off the post following a Haris Medunjanin cross.

De Ridder then hit the woodwork in the closing stages but the one goal was enough to ensure the Netherlands' first defeat of Poland
in six attempts at this level, after four defeats and a draw.



(UEFA)
02 Jun 2007 by admin
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De Ridder kan recordinternational worden!


Daniel de Ridder kan recordinternational worden.
Recordinternational tot-nu-toe is namelijk Arnold Bruggink (31 caps).

De Ridder heeft momenteel 25 interlands gespeeld.
Mocht hij tijdens de oefeninterland tegen Polen in actie komen en ook alle EK-duels tot en met de finale spelen,
dan mag De Ridder zich mede-recordinternational van Onder 21 noemen met 31 interlands.

Al het nieuws over het EK en over Oranje Onder 21 is te zien op www.ek.nl
02 Jun 2007 by admin
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Al ataque
Stoichkov: "No voy a renunciar a jugar al ataque"

Hristo Stoichkov aún no sabe si podrá contar con Gustavo López y Matías Lequi para el compromiso de mañana en la Romareda.
El técnico b