Liam Ridgewell

Club career

Early career

Ridgewell was born in Bexleyheath, in the London Borough of Bexley, and attended Bexleyheath School. He began his career with West Ham United, but moved to Aston Villa in February 2001. He was part of the team that won the 2002 FA Youth Cup final against Everton.

Aston Villa

The day after scoring for England Under-19s in a 2–2 draw against Yugoslavia in October 2002, he was loaned to AFC Bournemouth of the Third Division, for whom he made his debut in the Football League in a 2–1 win over Hartlepool United on 13 October and played five games in his month's loan spell.

His debut for Aston Villa's first team came on 4 January 2003, in a 4–1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup third round, when he came on as a substitute to replace Rob Edwards after 69 minutes. His first Premier League appearance came on 28 December 2003, as a 62nd-minute replacement for Mark Delaney in a 3–0 win over Fulham at Villa Park; he made 11 appearances over the season.

On 15 January 2005, Ridgewell scored his first professional goal, heading in Nolberto Solano's cross in the ninth minute to open a 3–0 win over Norwich City. On 10 April, in a 1–1 draw with rivals West Bromwich Albion, he and opponent Jonathan Greening were sent off for headbutting each other.

In the following Premier League campaign, Ridgewell recorded five goals in 32 games, including two in a 3–3 draw at Fulham on 28 December 2005. He scored his only goal of the 2006–07 season against his former club West Ham United on 10 September 2006.

Birmingham City

Ridgewell completed a move to Birmingham City for a fee of £2 million on 3 August 2007, becoming the first player to transfer between the bitter rivals since Des Bremner in 1984.

In the absence through injury of regular captain Damien Johnson, Ridgewell was given the captain's armband. He described his appointment as "a real honour". Though concerns were expressed over how some fans might react to a player signing from Aston Villa, Ridgewell's performances won over the doubters. He scored his first goal for the club in their 3–2 win against Wigan Athletic at St Andrew's in October,

In April 2009, Ridgewell suffered a broken leg after a challenge by Plymouth Argyle midfielder Jamie Mackie. He made an unexpectedly quick return to the side five months later, playing in the less familiar position of left back. He continued in that role because of the form of preferred centre-backs Roger Johnson and Scott Dann,{{cite news

Ridgewell continued his goalscoring form with a stoppage-time winner against Derby County to send Birmingham through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, had a goal disallowed in the quarter-final match against Portsmouth when the ball had "clearly crossed the line", and scored an equalising goal against Liverpool in the league.

In June 2010, Ridgewell signed a new contract with Birmingham, to expire in June 2013. He played the full 90 minutes as Birmingham defeated favourites Arsenal 2–1 in the 2011 Football League Cup Final, thus earning qualification for the Europa League. In the absence of several midfielders through injury, Ridgewell played in the play-off round first leg against Portuguese club Nacional, Birmingham's first participation in major European competition for nearly 50 years, in an unfamiliar holding midfield position. As the August 2011 transfer deadline approached, Ridgewell submitted a transfer request which was rejected by the club, and despite late interest from Premier League clubs including Newcastle United, he remained with Birmingham.

West Bromwich Albion

Ridgewell signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Premier League club West Bromwich Albion on 31 January 2012. The transfer fee was undisclosed. On 12 February, he made his debut in a 5–1 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. He made his home debut a week later as West Brom beat Sunderland 4–0 at The Hawthorns. He scored his first goal for West Brom on 7 April in a 3–0 home win against Blackburn Rovers.

On 16 May 2014, West Bromwich Albion announced that they would not take up the option of extending Ridgewell's contract and he was released from the club.

Portland Timbers

Ridgewell was signed as a Designated Player for the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer on 25 June 2014. He made his MLS debut on 18 July, the 62nd consecutive sellout at Providence Park, and a comeback 2–1 victory over the visiting Colorado Rapids. Ridgewell was named in the MLS All-Star team for the 2014 MLS All-Star Game against Bayern Munich as a replacement for the injured Kyle Beckerman. He scored his first Timbers goal, the equaliser against the New England Revolution on 16 August 2014, after a 45 yd solo run.

On 8 January 2015, Ridgewell signed for Wigan Athletic on a six-week loan deal. He made six appearances for the Latics, who ended the season with relegation from the Championship.

Ridgewell was sent off on 25 June 2015 in a 5–0 loss at LA Galaxy, for a kick at Alan Gordon. The Timbers qualified for the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, in which Ridgewell opened the scoring in a 3–1 first leg win over Western Conference regular season champions FC Dallas on 22 November, as the team eventually reached MLS Cup 2015. In the decisive match on 6 December away to the Columbus Crew at Mapfre Stadium, he captained the Timbers to a 2–1 win.

In December 2015, Ridgewell agreed a short-term loan with Championship team Brighton & Hove Albion, to begin when the transfer window opened on 2 January 2016 and end in time for the second half of the Timbers' preseason. He finished his spell with four wins from five league appearances.

Ridgewell was sent off on 30 September 2018 at the end of a goalless draw at home to FC Dallas for a foul on Roland Lamah. The Timbers made the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs; in the Western Conference semi-finals they defeated rivals Seattle Sounders FC on penalties. The Timbers lost the MLS Cup 2018 2–0 at Atlanta United FC in Ridgewell's final game.

On 10 January 2019, Ridgewell and Portland mutually agreed to part ways.

Return to England

On 31 January 2019, Ridgewell joined Hull City for the remainder of the 2018–19 season. He made his debut on 9 February in a 2–0 loss at Derby County, as a 75th-minute substitute for Stephen Kingsley. He was released by Hull City at the end of the 2018–19 season.

On 9 August 2019, Ridgewell signed a one-year deal with EFL League One club Southend United, with the option of a second. He made his debut the next day in the season opener, a 3–1 home loss to Blackpool, starting on the left of a three-man defence and being replaced by Layton Ndukwu after 52 minutes. Manager Kevin Bond said his decision may have been "unfair" to start Ridgewell after he had not played any friendlies in the summer. He left Southend on 31 January 2020, having played no further part. On 22 May 2020, Ridgewell joined amateur side Sutton Rangers in the Sutton and District Sunday League.

Coaching career

Ridgewell took on his first coaching job in December 2020, when he joined National League club Dover Athletic in the role of a first-team coach, assisting the manager Andy Hessenthaler. Ridgewell joined the Portland Timbers coaching staff for the 2023 season. He holds a UEFA B Coaching License.

Personal life

In October 2016, Ridgewell and Portland Timbers teammate Jake Gleeson were arrested and charged with driving under the influence and refusing breathalyzer tests in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The case against Ridgewell was dropped in January 2017 when a judge ruled that the police had insufficient cause to stop and test him, while Gleeson pleaded no contest to his charges.

Ridgewell co-owns custom swimwear company Thomas Royall with fellow footballers Sam Saunders and John Terry.

Career statistics

Honours

Aston Villa

• FA Youth Cup: 2001–02

Birmingham City

• Football League Cup: 2010–11

Portland Timbers

• MLS Cup: 2015
• Western Conference (playoffs): 2015

Individual

• MLS All-Star: 2014

References

References

1. (2005). "The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2005/2006". Queen Anne Press.
2. "Player Profiles: Liam Ridgewell". Birmingham City F.C.
3. {{Hugman. 16687
4. Bacon, Jake. (4 December 2015). "Bexleyheath mum to cheer on son Liam Ridgewell in America's biggest football match – the MLS cup final". News Shopper.
5. (9 June 2010). "Ridgewell relishes Hammers return". West Ham United F.C..
6. Wright, Chris. (15 May 2002). "Final misery for boy Blues". Daily Post.
7. (12 October 2002). "Villa ace Liam set for Cherries debut". Bournemouth Echo.
8. Jawad, Hyder. (6 January 2003). "Barry bright spot as Yorke makes it dark day for Villa". Birmingham Post.
9. (15 January 2005). "Aston Villa 3–0 Norwich". BBC Sport.
10. (10 April 2005). "Aston Villa 1–1 West Brom". BBC Sport.
11. (28 December 2005). "Fulham 3–3 Aston Villa". BBC Sport.
12. Jawad, Hyder. (3 August 2007). "Ridgewell arrival put in shade as Ghaly deal collapses". Birmingham Post.
13. Tattum, Colin. (13 August 2007). "Ridgewell: My pride over captaincy". Birmingham Mail.
14. (26 September 2007). "Ridgewell a big hit with Blues fans". Birmingham Post.
15. (11 November 2007). "Birmingham 1–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport.
16. (14 April 2009). "Ridgewell undergoes leg operation". BBC Sport.
17. Walker, Andy. (23 September 2009). "Sunderland 2 Birmingham City 0 – match report". Birmingham Post.
18. (9 January 2010). "McLeish proud of Blues". Sky Sports.
19. Tyler, Martin. (12 January 2010). "The cold rush". Sky Sports.
20. Soneji, Pranav. (30 January 2010). "Birmingham 1–1 Tottenham". BBC Sport.
21. Ornstein, Harry. (13 February 2010). "Derby 1–2 Birmingham". BBC Sport.
22. Barwick, Brian. (8 March 2010). "Game's governors wrong to dismiss the merits of goal-line technology in football". The Daily Telegraph.
23. Ashenden, Mark. (4 April 2010). "Birmingham 1–1 Liverpool". BBC Sport.
24. (10 June 2010). "Liam Ridgewell signs new Birmingham City contract". BBC Sport.
25. McNulty, Philip. (27 February 2011). "Arsenal 1–2 Birmingham". BBC Sport.
26. Tattum, Colin. (19 August 2011). "Nacional 0, Birmingham City 0". Birmingham Mail.
27. (31 August 2011). "Magpies bid for Ridgewell". Sky Sports.
28. (31 January 2012). "Baggies bring in Ridgewell". Sky Sports.
29. Phillips, Owen. (12 February 2012). "Wolves 1–5 West Brom". BBC Sport.
30. Rostance, Tom. (25 February 2012). "West Brom 4–0 Sunderland". BBC Sport.
31. (16 May 2014). "Baggies confirm five departures". West Bromwich Albion F.C..
32. (25 June 2014). "Portland Timbers sign Designated Player Liam Ridgewell".
33. (18 July 2014). "Quotes & Notes | Portland Timbers 2, Colorado Rapids 1".
34. (5 August 2014). "All-Star: Portland Timbers DP defender Liam Ridgewell in for injured Kyle Beckerman on MLS roster".
35. Costello, Brian. (18 August 2014). "The Log Roll: Portland Timbers' Liam Ridgewell explains his first MLS goal and celebration".
36. "Liam Ridgewell: Wigan Athletic sign Portland Timbers defender". BBC Sport.
37. (25 June 2015). "LA Galaxy 5, Portland Timbers 0". Major League Soccer.
38. (22 November 2015). "Asprilla Thunderbolt Gives Timbers Edge on Dallas". USL.
39. (7 December 2015). "Columbus Crew C 1–2 Portland Timbers". BBC Sport.
40. (30 December 2015). "Portland Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell to join Brighton & Hove Albion on offseason loan".
41. Camillin, Paul. (13 February 2016). "Ridgewell signs off fantastic loan spell". Brighton & Hove Albion F.C..
42. (30 September 2018). "Timbers Frustrated, Ridgewell Sent Off in Scoreless Draw With Dallas". Portland Mercury.
43. (9 November 2018). "Timbers edge Sounders in penalty kick thriller to advance in MLS playoffs". Goal.com.
44. (10 January 2019). "Portland Timbers, Liam Ridgewell mutually agree to part ways". Portland Timbers.
45. (31 January 2019). "Liam Ridgewell: Hull City sign veteran defender until end of the season". BBC.
46. (9 February 2019). "RECAP Derby County vs Hull City – Martyn Waghorn scores twice on a day to forget for the Tigers". Hull Daily Mail.
47. (17 May 2019). "Fraizer Campbell & David Marshall: Hull City plan to offer duo new deals". BBC Sport.
48. (2 August 2019). "Liam Ridgewell: Southend United sign defender on one-year contract". BBC Sport.
49. (10 August 2019). "Southend United boss Kevin Bond: It might have been unfair to start Liam Ridgewell against Blackpool". Echo.
50. (31 January 2020). "Southend United confirm Liam Ridgewell's departure".
51. (22 May 2020). "Liam Ridgewell retires and joins Sutton Rangers in Sunday league".
52. (22 December 2020). "Former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion defender Liam Ridgewell joins Dover Athletic as a coach". Kent Online.
53. (10 November 2022). "Timbers sign coaching staff to multiyear contract extensions, add Liam Ridgewell". [[Portland Timbers]].
54. (4 January 2017). "Drunken driving case against Portland Timbers' Liam Ridgewell to be dropped, prosecutor says". The Oregonian.
55. Murtagh, Jacob. (19 August 2016). "The swimwear brand that footballers like John Terry can't get enough of".
56. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2002
57. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2003
58. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2004
59. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2005
60. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2006
61. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2007
62. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2008
63. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2009
64. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2010
65. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2011
66. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2012
67. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2013
68. "Liam Ridgewell".
69. "L. Ridgewell". Perform Group.
70. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2014
71. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2015
72. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2018
73. {{soccerbase season. 32349. 2019
74. McNulty, Philip. (27 February 2011). "Arsenal 1–2 Birmingham". BBC Sport.
75. McCauley, Kevin. (6 December 2015). "Goals, screw-ups, stats and more: Everything great from the MLS Cup Final".
76. (4 December 2015). "Liam Ridgewell, Fanendo Adi fit and 'ready to go' for Portland in MLS Cup". ESPN.