Bruce key to De Ridder deal
06 Jul 2008 - 12:22:24
Dutch winger Daniel De Ridder has admitted that he took no time at all to decide to leave Birmingham City to join Wigan Athletic.
The 24-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Latics, having opted to rejoin manager Steve Bruce, the man who brought him to England at the start of last season.
De Ridder told the Evening Post: "As soon as Steve Bruce got in touch and said he wanted to sign me at Wigan, my mind was made up.
"He signed me at Birmingham and he is one of the best coaches I've worked with. Having worked with him at Birmingham last year, I know he knows how to get the best out of players.
"There are some fantastic players at Wigan and I know it is going to be really tough to get in the side.
"But the Premier League is the best in the world and you have to fight hard for what you achieve when you get to this level."
Meanwhile, Latics boss Bruce is being linked with another swoop on his former club, with French winger Olivier Kapo reported to be heading to the JJB Stadium in the near future.
His agent, Willie McKay, said: "Steve Bruce is a big admirer of Olivier having worked with him before and would like to bring him to Wigan.
"I believe Wigan are prepared to offer some players in exchange to try and persuade Birmingham to do a deal."
